LTL vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LTL (ProShares Ultra Telecommunications) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LTL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Telecommunications Index (200%), 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, LTL returned 7.38%/yr vs 13.58%/yr for DGRO. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LTL charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

LTL vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Telecommunications (LTL) 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, LTL achieves a -19.62% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 8.84% return. Over the past 10 years, LTL has underperformed DGRO with an annualized return of 7.38%, while DGRO has yielded a comparatively higher 13.58% annualized return.

LTL

• 1D: -4.20%
• 1M: -14.53%
• YTD: -19.62%
• 6M: -18.20%
• 1Y: 2.97%
• 3Y*: 30.89%
• 5Y*: 14.78%
• 10Y*: 7.38%

DGRO

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 8.84%
• 6M: 8.25%
• 1Y: 22.81%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: 11.08%
• 10Y*: 13.58%

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

LTL vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LTL ProShares Ultra Telecommunications	-19.62%	37.06%	65.15%	62.03%	-41.14%	40.42%	-3.25%	30.16%	-23.44%	-26.85%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.84%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%

Correlation

The correlation between LTL and DGRO is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.54

The correlation between LTL and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.67 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

LTL vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LTL	DGRO
Communication Services	63.0%	0.1%
Technology	1.1%	22.0%
Basic Materials	-	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	11.1%
Energy	-	5.1%
Financial Services	-	20.6%
Healthcare	-	16.5%
Industrials	-	10.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

LTL vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

LTL

LTL Risk / Return Rank: 10
LTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
LTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
LTL Omega Ratio Rank: 10
LTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
LTL Martin Ratio Rank: 10

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 77
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

LTL vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Telecommunications (LTL) 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.

	LTL	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.11	2.40	-2.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.35	3.49	-3.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.43	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.13	3.54	-3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.37	13.67	-13.31

LTL vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LTL Sharpe Ratio is 0.11, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LTL 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

LTL vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LTL drawdown since its inception was -80.20%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LTL and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	LTL	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.20%	-35.10%	-45.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.45%	-6.47%	-15.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.37%	-14.03%	-20.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-52.60%	-19.31%	-33.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.15%	-35.10%	-29.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.45%	-1.21%	-21.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.62%	-3.43%	-25.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.11%	1.67%	+6.44%

Volatility

LTL vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra Telecommunications (LTL) has a higher volatility of 9.53% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.64%. This indicates that LTL'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

	LTL	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.53%	2.64%	+6.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.72%	6.94%	+13.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.45%	9.55%	+17.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.70%	13.80%	+20.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.97%	16.63%	+20.34%

LTL vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

LTL has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

LTL vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

LTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than DGRO's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.97%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
LTL ProShares Ultra Telecommunications	1.01%	0.64%	0.29%	0.97%	2.01%	1.14%	1.57%	0.83%	1.99%	1.96%	0.70%	1.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LTL and DGRO in my portfolio?

LTL and DGRO have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LTL or DGRO?

LTL has higher volatility (9.53%) compared to DGRO (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LTL dropped -80.20% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, LTL or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.58% vs 7.38% for LTL. 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.

Which ETF has performed better, LTL or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.58% return vs 7.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LTL or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for LTL.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.01% for LTL.

What is the main difference between LTL and DGRO?

LTL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. LTL tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Telecommunications Index (200%), while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for LTL and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 0.11), 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.