QDPL vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QDPL (Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDPL is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier Index - Series 400, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, QDPL returned 19.54%/yr vs 16.80%/yr for DGRO. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QDPL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

QDPL vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF (QDPL) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with QDPL having a 9.01% return and DGRO slightly lower at 8.84%.

QDPL

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 9.01%
• 6M: 8.69%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

QDPL vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
QDPL Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF	9.01%	16.52%	22.83%	23.66%	-16.25%	7.82%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.84%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	9.56%

Correlation

The correlation between QDPL and DGRO is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2021	0.81

The correlation between QDPL and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QDPL vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDPL	DGRO
Technology	39.1%	22.0%
Financial Services	11.1%	20.6%
Communication Services	10.7%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	5.4%
Healthcare	8.3%	16.5%
Industrials	7.8%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	11.1%
Energy	3.1%	5.1%
Utilities	2.1%	6.4%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	2.4%

Return for Risk

QDPL vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDPL

QDPL Risk / Return Rank: 64
QDPL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QDPL Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
QDPL Omega Ratio Rank: 63
QDPL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
QDPL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

QDPL vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF (QDPL) 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.

	QDPL	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	2.40	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	3.49	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	3.54	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.08	13.67	-0.60

QDPL vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDPL Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDPL 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

QDPL vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDPL drawdown since its inception was -22.59%, smaller than the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDPL and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDPL	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.59%	-35.10%	+12.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.65%	-6.47%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.75%	-14.03%	-3.72%
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	-1.90%	-1.21%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.11%	-3.43%	-1.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.67%	+0.23%

Volatility

QDPL vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF (QDPL) has a higher volatility of 4.86% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.64%. This indicates that QDPL'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

	QDPL	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	2.64%	+2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.80%	6.94%	+2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.44%	9.55%	+2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.07%	13.80%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.07%	16.63%	-1.56%

QDPL vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDPL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDPL vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

QDPL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.11%, more 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%
QDPL Pacer Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier 400 ETF	5.11%	4.84%	5.43%	6.30%	7.27%	2.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDPL and DGRO in my portfolio?

QDPL and DGRO have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QDPL or DGRO?

QDPL has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to DGRO (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDPL dropped -22.59% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, QDPL or DGRO?

On 3-year performance, QDPL leads with 19.54% vs 16.80% for DGRO. 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, QDPL or DGRO?

Over the 3-year period, QDPL has performed better with a 19.54% return vs 16.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDPL or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QDPL.

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

QDPL has the higher dividend yield at 5.11%, compared with 1.97% for DGRO.

What is the main difference between QDPL and DGRO?

QDPL is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. QDPL tracks Metaurus US Large Cap Dividend Multiplier Index - Series 400, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QDPL and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.00), 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.