# Dividend Growth ETFs Show Different Returns

> Three dividend growth ETFs returned vastly different amounts over the past year: 12.53%, 11%, and 5%.
- Title: Dividend Growth ETFs Show Different Returns · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: Three dividend growth ETFs returned vastly different amounts over the past year: 12.53%, 11%, and 5%. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) returned 11%…
- Keywords: vanguard dividend appreciation etf, wisdomtree u.s. quality dividend growth, vanguard international dividend apprecia, dividend growth investing, etf returns, dividend payout, Dividend, Growth, ETFs, Show, Different, Returns
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/investing/etf/2026/10/07/3-dividend-growth-etfs-that-prioritize-rising-payouts-over-todays-yield-one-returned-12-53-over-the-past-year-another-just-5-40
- Author: Ryne Mauck
- Published: 2026-10-08T00:03:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vanguard dividend appreciation etf, wisdomtree u.s. quality dividend growth, vanguard international dividend apprecia, dividend growth investing, etf returns, dividend payout
## Dividend Growth ETFs Show Different Returns
Three ETFs built around rising payouts instead of big yields have taken very different paths over the past year.
## One-Year Returns Vary Widely
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) returned 11%, WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) returned 13%, and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) returned 5%.
## Why Dividend Growers Pay Less Today
A company with plenty of room to raise its dividend is usually paying out a fairly small share of its earnings right now.
## VIG Sets the Benchmark for U.S. Dividend Growth
VIG tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index with 10 straight years of dividend increases and no high-yield stocks.
## DGRW Adds a Quality Filter and Took the Lead
DGRW ranks companies by expected long-term earnings growth plus return on equity and assets, producing 13% one-year returns.
## VIGI Brings the Same Discipline Abroad
VIGI applies a similar screen outside the U.S. with seven or more years of dividend growth and excludes high-yield stocks.
## What Really Explains the International Gap
The gap is real and large: no U.S. mega-caps, a different mix of companies, and currency translation.
## The Fair Conclusion
VIGI’s results mostly reflect a period when the largest U.S. companies dominated global returns.
## Which Dividend Growth Fund Fits Your Plan
VIG is the widest and largest fund; DGRW suits investors who want a forward-looking quality screen; VIGI belongs with investors who want international exposure.
## Key takeaway

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) returned 11% over one year, WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) returned 13%, and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) returned 5%.