NWLG vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NWLG (Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. NWLG is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NWLG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

NWLG vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NWLG

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.14%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 22.54%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 13.30%

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

NWLG vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NWLG Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF	-10.63%	13.21%	29.17%	43.55%	-31.52%	5.24%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	8.12%

Correlation

The correlation between NWLG and DGRO is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.66

Over the past year, the correlation between NWLG and DGRO has dropped to 0.41 - well below their long-term average of 0.66, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

NWLG vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NWLG	DGRO
Technology	48.0%	19.4%
Communication Services	14.7%	0.1%
Industrials	12.4%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	5.7%
Healthcare	6.7%	16.4%
Financial Services	5.9%	21.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	11.5%
Basic Materials	1.0%	2.5%
Energy	-	5.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.9%

Return for Risk

NWLG vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 71
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

NWLG vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF (NWLG) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NWLG	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.76	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NWLG	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-35.10%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.03%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.31%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.28%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-3.44%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NWLG	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.21%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.91%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	9.48%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	13.82%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	16.62%	—

NWLG vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWLG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWLG vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

NWLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.71%, 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%
NWLG Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth ESG ETF	15.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWLG and DGRO in my portfolio?

NWLG and DGRO have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NWLG or DGRO?

On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NWLG or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NWLG.

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

NWLG has the higher dividend yield at 15.71%, compared with 1.96% for DGRO.

What is the main difference between NWLG and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for NWLG and 0.08% for DGRO.