RFDA vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. RFDA is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFDA returned 13.37%/yr vs 13.58%/yr for DGRO. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDA charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

RFDA vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) 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, RFDA achieves a 10.53% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 8.84% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RFDA having a 13.37% annualized return and DGRO not far ahead at 13.58%.

RFDA

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 10.53%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 27.30%
• 3Y*: 18.71%
• 5Y*: 12.98%
• 10Y*: 13.37%

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)

RFDA vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.53%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%
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 RFDA and DGRO is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.85

The correlation between RFDA and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.85 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RFDA vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDA	DGRO
Technology	21.1%	22.0%
Financial Services	14.4%	20.6%
Energy	11.7%	5.1%
Healthcare	9.7%	16.5%
Industrials	8.6%	10.4%
Communication Services	8.3%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	11.1%
Real Estate	4.9%	-
Utilities	4.8%	6.4%
Basic Materials	1.9%	2.4%

Return for Risk

RFDA vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

RFDA vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) 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.

	RFDA	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.40	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	3.49	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.43	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.04	3.54	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.04	13.67	+4.36

RFDA vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDA Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDA 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

RFDA vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDA drawdown since its inception was -34.60%, roughly equal to the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDA and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDA	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.60%	-35.10%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.45%	-6.47%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.35%	-14.03%	-5.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.35%	-19.31%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.60%	-35.10%	+0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-1.21%	-0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-3.43%	-0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	1.67%	-0.15%

Volatility

RFDA vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) has a higher volatility of 3.31% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.64%. This indicates that RFDA'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

	RFDA	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	2.64%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.79%	6.94%	+1.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.75%	9.55%	+2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.75%	13.80%	+1.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.87%	16.63%	+0.24%

RFDA vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDA has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDA vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

RFDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, 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%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.80%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDA and DGRO in my portfolio?

RFDA and DGRO have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFDA or DGRO?

RFDA has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to DGRO (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDA dropped -34.60% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, RFDA or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.58% vs 13.37% for RFDA. 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, RFDA or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.58% return vs 13.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDA or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.80% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between RFDA and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for RFDA and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.34), 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.