KMLM vs. DGRO
KMLM (KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KMLM is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the KFA MLM Index, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KMLM returned 4.11%/yr vs 10.82%/yr for DGRO. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. KMLM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.
Performance
KMLM vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, KMLM achieves a 8.32% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 9.86% return.
KMLM
- 1D
- -0.53%
- 1M
- -5.13%
- YTD
- 8.32%
- 6M
- 9.68%
- 1Y
- 13.24%
- 3Y*
- -1.51%
- 5Y*
- 4.11%
- 10Y*
- —
DGRO
- 1D
- 0.69%
- 1M
- 2.86%
- YTD
- 9.86%
- 6M
- 9.27%
- 1Y
- 23.49%
- 3Y*
- 16.74%
- 5Y*
- 10.82%
- 10Y*
- 13.52%
KMLM vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF | 8.32% | -2.98% | -1.69% | -5.66% | 30.61% | 7.04% | 5.74% |
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | 9.86% | 15.69% | 16.62% | 10.47% | -7.91% | 26.64% | 2.26% |
Correlation
The correlation between KMLM and DGRO is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.09 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.10 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2020 | -0.09 |
The correlation between KMLM and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (5 years) to 0.09 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
KMLM vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank
KMLM
DGRO
KMLM vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) 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.
| KMLM | DGRO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.28 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.90 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.19 | 1.42 | -0.23 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.78 | 3.46 | -1.67 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.86 | 13.36 | -7.51 |
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Drawdowns
KMLM vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum KMLM drawdown since its inception was -27.47%, smaller than the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMLM and DGRO.
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Drawdown Indicators
| KMLM | DGRO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -27.47% | -35.10% | +7.63% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.83% | -6.47% | -0.36% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -22.28% | -14.03% | -8.25% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.47% | -19.31% | -8.16% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -35.10% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -15.54% | 0.00% | -15.54% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.74% | -3.44% | -9.30% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.10% | 1.68% | +0.42% |
Volatility
KMLM vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison
KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) has a higher volatility of 3.35% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.64%. This indicates that KMLM'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.
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Volatility by Period
| KMLM | DGRO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.35% | 2.64% | +0.71% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.77% | 6.96% | +2.81% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.50% | 9.59% | +1.91% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.62% | 13.83% | +0.79% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.71% | 16.62% | -1.91% |
KMLM vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison
KMLM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.
Dividends
KMLM vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison
KMLM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.64%, more than DGRO's 1.94% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | 1.94% | 2.09% | 2.26% | 2.45% | 2.34% | 1.93% | 2.30% | 2.21% | 2.44% | 2.03% | 2.27% | 2.52% |
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF | 4.64% | 5.02% | 0.82% | 0.00% | 13.22% | 6.94% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
KMLM and DGRO have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
KMLM has higher volatility (3.35%) compared to DGRO (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMLM dropped -27.47% vs DGRO's -35.10%.
On 5-year performance, DGRO leads with 10.82% vs 4.11% for KMLM. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 10.82% return vs 4.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for KMLM.
KMLM has the higher dividend yield at 4.64%, compared with 1.94% for DGRO.
KMLM is categorized as Systematic Trend, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. KMLM tracks KFA MLM Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for KMLM and 0.08% for DGRO.
DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.06), 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.
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