AFGR vs. ILCG
AFGR (First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. AFGR is actively managed, while ILCG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AFGR returned 7.22%/yr vs 13.61%/yr for ILCG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AFGR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.
Performance
AFGR vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AFGR achieves a 1.90% return, which is significantly lower than ILCG's 9.97% return.
AFGR
- 1D
- 0.27%
- 1M
- 0.10%
- YTD
- 1.90%
- 6M
- 1.80%
- 1Y
- 12.07%
- 3Y*
- 19.38%
- 5Y*
- 7.22%
- 10Y*
- —
ILCG
- 1D
- 0.32%
- 1M
- -1.30%
- YTD
- 9.97%
- 6M
- 11.01%
- 1Y
- 22.69%
- 3Y*
- 24.07%
- 5Y*
- 13.61%
- 10Y*
- 17.85%
AFGR vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFGR First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF | 1.90% | 17.28% | 25.96% | 45.21% | -39.18% | 13.23% | 21.39% |
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF | 9.97% | 16.71% | 32.82% | 40.41% | -31.75% | 24.33% | 16.58% |
Correlation
The correlation between AFGR and ILCG is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.95 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.95 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2020 | 0.95 |
The correlation between AFGR and ILCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
AFGR vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank
AFGR
ILCG
AFGR vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). 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.
| AFGR | ILCG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.67 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.82 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.24 | -0.12 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.61 | 1.46 | -0.85 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.74 | 5.04 | -3.30 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
AFGR vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AFGR drawdown since its inception was -45.97%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFGR and ILCG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| AFGR | ILCG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -45.97% | -52.98% | +7.01% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -19.89% | -15.65% | -4.24% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.57% | -23.10% | -3.47% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -45.97% | -35.38% | -10.59% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -35.38% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.84% | -4.92% | +0.08% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -14.30% | -8.21% | -6.09% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 6.94% | 4.51% | +2.43% |
Volatility
AFGR vs. ILCG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is 5.45%, while iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) has a volatility of 6.77%. This indicates that AFGR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ILCG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| AFGR | ILCG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.45% | 6.77% | -1.32% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.45% | 13.98% | +0.47% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.53% | 17.16% | +1.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.97% | 22.12% | +2.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 24.52% | 21.59% | +2.93% |
AFGR vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison
AFGR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.
Dividends
AFGR vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison
AFGR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ILCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFGR First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF | 0.42% | 0.47% | 0.50% | 0.69% | 0.75% | 0.34% | 0.28% | 0.54% | 0.81% | 0.89% | 0.95% | 0.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.92, AFGR and ILCG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
ILCG has higher volatility (6.77%) compared to AFGR (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFGR dropped -45.97% vs ILCG's -52.98%.
On 5-year performance, ILCG leads with 13.61% vs 7.22% for AFGR. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, AFGR has been the lower-risk option at 5.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 13.61% return vs 7.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFGR.
ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.00% for AFGR.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFGR and 0.04% for ILCG.
ILCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 0.65), 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.
Find the right allocation for AFGR and ILCG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer