PCLG vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PCLG is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PCLG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

PCLG vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) 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, PCLG achieves a -5.11% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 8.76% return.

PCLG

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: -5.11%
• 6M: -5.23%
• 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)

PCLG vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-5.11%	-1.09%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	2.62%

Correlation

The correlation between PCLG and DGRO is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

PCLG 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.

PCLG vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) 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

	PCLG	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	-0.51	0.76	-1.28

Drawdowns

PCLG vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCLG drawdown since its inception was -23.78%, smaller than the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCLG and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCLG	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.78%	-35.10%	+11.32%
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	-9.27%	-0.28%	-8.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.67%	-3.44%	-6.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCLG	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	17.68%	9.48%	+8.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.68%	13.82%	+3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.68%	16.62%	+1.06%

PCLG vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCLG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCLG vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

PCLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less 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%
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	0.04%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCLG and DGRO in my portfolio?

PCLG and DGRO have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PCLG 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, PCLG or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for PCLG.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.04% for PCLG.

What is the main difference between PCLG and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: Polen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PCLG and 0.08% for DGRO.