What is the difference in expense ratios between DGRO and VIG?

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) has an expense ratio of 0.08 per cent, whereas the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a lower expense ratio of 0.04 per cent. This represents a difference of 0.04 percentage points. The fee difference might seem small, but it can compound over time, affecting the net returns earned by investors. The choice between the two could depend on how much you value lower costs versus other fund characteristics.

How does the operational history of DGRO compare with that of VIG?

The DGRO was launched on 10 June 2014, giving it an operational history of approximately 12 years. In contrast, VIG was founded on 21 April 2006, with an operational history of nearly 20 years. This longer history for VIG provides more extensive data on its performance and fund management over various market cycles, which some investors may find reassuring for long-term investing.

What are the fund sizes of DGRO and VIG?

DGRO has net assets of $42.9 billion, indicating a substantial level of liquidity and depth for large trades. In comparison, VIG is significantly larger with net assets of $110.8 billion. The size of a fund often correlates with its liquidity and the ability to handle larger trading volumes without significant price impact. VIG's scale may reduce risks associated with fund closure or liquidity constraints.

What are the similarities and differences in the top holdings of DGRO and VIG?

Both DGRO and VIG share several top holdings, including AAPL, XOM, MSFT, JPM, JNJ, and AVGO. However, their weighting in the funds differs. In VIG, MSFT is the top holding at 4.68 per cent, followed by AAPL at 4.51 per cent and AVGO at 4.35 per cent. In DGRO, AAPL is the top holding at 3.12 per cent. While both ETFs have a degree of concentration in their top holdings, VIG shows higher weighting in its first six holdings, each exceeding 2.7 per cent.

What is the difference in the dividend yields of DGRO and VIG?

DGRO offers a dividend yield of 1.94 per cent, which is higher than VIG's yield of 1.51 per cent. This makes DGRO more attractive for investors seeking a higher income stream from their investments. VIG's lower yield may be better suited for investors focused on capital appreciation and lower costs. The choice between the two can depend on whether income generation or low-cost investing is the primary goal.

How does each fund track its market?

Neither DGRO nor VIG has a publicly available underlying index tracking methodology, which may limit transparency for potential investors. This means investors cannot review the exact criteria used for stock selection or rebalancing, making it challenging to fully understand the fund's strategies. For investors, it's essential to consider other data points like holdings, expense ratios, and fund size when evaluating these funds.

What is the concentration of DGRO's top ten holdings?

DGRO exhibits slightly lower concentration in its top ten holdings compared to VIG. For instance, AAPL's weight in DGRO is 3.12 per cent, MSFT is 3.03 per cent, and JPM is 2.90 per cent. This broader diversification can mitigate risk, ensuring that no single holding dominates the fund's performance excessively. This feature makes DGRO potentially more attractive to investors looking for a balanced exposure to the dividend growth universe.

What are the differences in the top holdings between DGRO and VIG?

DGRO's top ten holdings include AAPL (3.12 per cent), XOM (3.06 per cent), MSFT (3.03 per cent), JPM (2.90 per cent), JNJ (2.89 per cent), ABBV (2.87 per cent), AVGO (2.77 per cent), PG (2.31 per cent), PM (2.16 per cent), and HD (1.98 per cent). In contrast, VIG's top ten holdings include MSFT (4.68 per cent), AAPL (4.51 per cent), AVGO (4.35 per cent), JPM (4.07 per cent), LLY (3.90 per cent), XOM (2.85 per cent), JNJ (2.73 per cent), V (2.50 per cent), MA (2.03 per cent), and WMT (1.96 per cent). VIG shows a heavier weighting in its top few holdings, with each of the first six holdings exceeding 2.7 per cent, whereas DGRO's top holdings are more evenly distributed.

Which ETF is better for investors seeking low costs?

VIG is likely better for investors prioritising low costs due to its lower expense ratio of 0.04 per cent compared to DGRO's 0.08 per cent. The difference in fees, although small, can compound over longer investment horizons. This makes VIG a more cost-efficient option for dividend investors who are focused on minimising expenses while still gaining exposure to established, dividend-paying companies.

Which ETF is better for income-focused investors?

DGRO may be more suitable for income-focused investors given its higher dividend yield of 1.94 per cent compared to VIG's 1.51 per cent. DGRO's slightly larger dividend yield could make it more attractive to investors seeking a larger income stream from their ETF investments. This difference in yield can influence an investor's choice depending on their income needs and investment goals.

What is the educational disclaimer for comparing DGRO and VIG?

This comparison between DGRO and VIG is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should consider their individual financial situations and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information provided is based on publicly available data as of 22 September 2026 and is subject to change over time.

DGRO vs VIG

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare DGRO and VIG to see how iShares Core Dividend Growth and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation measure up. This page reviews fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. DGRO charges 0.08% and VIG charges 0.04%. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

DGRO

Metric

VIG

0.08%

Expense Ratio

0.04%

1.94%

Dividend Yield

1.51%

$42.93B

Net Assets

$110.76B

396

Holdings

343

Jun 10, 2014

Inception Date

Apr 21, 2006

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Index Tracked

–

Large Value

Fund Category

Large Blend

VIG costs about $4.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	DGRO	VIG
AAPLApple Inc.	3.12%	4.51%
XOMExxonMobil Holdings Corporation	3.06%	2.85%
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation	3.03%	4.68%
JPMJPMorgan Chase & Co.	2.90%	4.07%
JNJJohnson & Johnson	2.89%	2.73%
AVGOBroadcom Inc.	2.77%	4.35%

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Investment Analysis

DGRO

Pros

DGRO offers a higher dividend yield of 1.94 per cent compared with VIG, attracting income-focused investors.
With net assets of forty-two point nine billion dollars, DGRO provides deep liquidity for large trades without significant price impact.
DGRO exhibits slightly lower concentration in its top ten holdings, offering broader diversification within the dividend growth universe.

Considerations

The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.08 per cent, double that of VIG, which may weigh on long-term returns.
Inception in June 2014 means DGRO has a shorter operational history than VIG, limiting long-term performance data.
DGRO’s underlying index methodology is not available for review, creating opacity around its specific selection criteria and rebalancing rules.

VIG

Pros

VIG has a low expense ratio of 0.04 per cent, enhancing net returns for cost-conscious dividend investors.
Founded in April 2006, VIG benefits from nearly twenty years of track record, providing greater certainty in fund operations.
With one hundred ten point eight billion dollars in net assets, VIG is exceptionally large, reducing risks of fund closure.

Considerations

VIG offers a lower dividend yield of 1.51 per cent, which may be insufficient for income-dependent investors.
Its top ten holdings represent significant concentration, with each of the first six exceeding two point seven per cent.
The fund’s specific index tracking methodology is not available, limiting transparency into its constituent selection and weighting processes.

About DGRO and VIG

DGRO (DGRO)

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is designed to provide investors with exposure to US companies that have a history of increasing their dividend payouts. This fund targets large-cap equities with sustainable dividend growth strategies rather than just high current yields. With an attractive low expense ratio of 0.08% and substantial net assets of USD 42.93 billion, it offers broad diversification across 396 holdings. The fund’s focus on large value stocks aims to balance income potential with capital appreciation opportunities. Investors should note that while the current dividend yield is approximately 1.94%, payouts are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on company performance and market conditions. As with any equity investment, the value of shares can rise and fall, meaning returns are not assured. It serves as a general educational example for those interested in dividend-growth strategies within the broader market.

VIG (VIG)

The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) offers investors exposure to US large-cap companies with a history of increasing their dividends. It aims to track an index of stocks that have consistently raised payouts, focusing on financial discipline and steady growth rather than just high yields. With a very low expense ratio of 0.04% and net assets of approximately USD 110.76 billion, it is a cost-effective tool for building a diversified equity portfolio. The fund holds around 343 positions, providing broad market coverage. Investors should note that while dividend increases can signal company health, values can rise and fall, and returns are not guaranteed. Past performance does not ensure future results.

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DGRO vs VIG

Fund Snapshot