Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
DGRO vs VWO
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF versus Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VWO wins 4–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | DGRO | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.96% | 2.43% | VWO wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | VWO wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 8.00% | 6.00% | VWO wins |
| Scale | $40.5B | $162.8B | VWO wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 0 wins | 4 wins | VWO wins |
Dimension by dimension
VWO wins on yield (2.43% vs 1.96%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $47 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
VWO wins on safety (7.9/10 vs 7.6/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. VWO scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VWO is cheaper (6.00% vs 8.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $200/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VWO is 4.0× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better, DGRO or VWO?
VWO wins 4–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does DGRO or VWO have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $47 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is DGRO or VWO a safer dividend?
DGRO scores 7.6/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VWO scores 7.9/10 (Solid). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both DGRO and VWO?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
Already own DGRO or VWO? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding VWO to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →