IXUS vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXUS returned 10.20%/yr vs 13.64%/yr for DGRO. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

IXUS vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXUS achieves a 12.67% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 9.37% return. Over the past 10 years, IXUS has underperformed DGRO with an annualized return of 10.20%, while DGRO has yielded a comparatively higher 13.64% annualized return.

IXUS

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 12.28%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: 18.99%
• 5Y*: 8.18%
• 10Y*: 10.20%

DGRO

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 9.37%
• 6M: 8.18%
• 1Y: 21.50%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.89%
• 10Y*: 13.64%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IXUS vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	12.67%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-14.41%	28.12%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.37%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and DGRO is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.75

The correlation between IXUS and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXUS vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	DGRO
Technology	30.5%	22.0%
Financial Services	23.8%	20.6%
Industrials	11.3%	10.4%
Healthcare	6.5%	16.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	5.4%
Basic Materials	5.0%	2.4%
Energy	4.4%	5.1%
Communication Services	4.2%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	11.1%
Utilities	1.9%	6.4%
Real Estate	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 55
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 78
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IXUS vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IXUS	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	2.28	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	3.32	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	3.34	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.30	12.88	-3.57

IXUS vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and DGRO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IXUS vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, roughly equal to the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-35.10%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-6.47%	-4.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-14.03%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-19.31%	-10.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	-35.10%	-1.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.14%	-0.74%	-2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.48%	-3.43%	-4.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	1.67%	+1.29%

Volatility

IXUS vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) has a higher volatility of 7.22% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.48%. This indicates that IXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGRO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXUS	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.22%	2.48%	+4.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.63%	6.94%	+7.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.55%	9.51%	+7.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.44%	13.79%	+2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.97%	16.59%	+0.38%

IXUS vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IXUS vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, more than DGRO's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.96%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.98%	3.24%	3.33%	3.13%	2.48%	3.12%	1.85%	3.09%	3.00%	2.41%	2.58%	2.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXUS and DGRO in my portfolio?

IXUS and DGRO have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXUS or DGRO?

IXUS has higher volatility (7.22%) compared to DGRO (2.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.64% vs 10.20% for IXUS. On fees, IXUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.64% return vs 10.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXUS or DGRO?

IXUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for DGRO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXUS or DGRO?

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 1.96% for DGRO.

What is the main difference between IXUS and DGRO?

IXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net), while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.67), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.