BASG vs. QUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BASG (Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF) and QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past year, BASG returned 4.84% vs 17.94% for QUS. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BASG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUS.

Performance

BASG vs. QUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BASG achieves a 1.27% return, which is significantly lower than QUS's 6.05% return.

BASG

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 4.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QUS

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: 6.05%
• 6M: 5.54%
• 1Y: 17.94%
• 3Y*: 16.88%
• 5Y*: 10.96%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BASG vs. QUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BASG Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF	1.27%	1.93%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	6.05%	10.50%

Correlation

The correlation between BASG and QUS is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2025	0.72

The correlation between BASG and QUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BASG vs. QUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BASG

BASG Risk / Return Rank: 12
BASG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
BASG Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
BASG Omega Ratio Rank: 12
BASG Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
BASG Martin Ratio Rank: 11

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 59
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

BASG vs. QUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). 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.

	BASG	QUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	1.95	-1.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	2.77	-2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.35	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.25	2.63	-2.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.65	11.66	-11.01

BASG vs. QUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BASG Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the QUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BASG and QUS, 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

BASG vs. QUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BASG drawdown since its inception was -19.30%, smaller than the maximum QUS drawdown of -33.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BASG and QUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BASG	QUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.30%	-33.78%	+14.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.30%	-6.85%	-12.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.88%	-1.61%	-3.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.75%	-3.69%	-2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.45%	1.54%	+5.91%

Volatility

BASG vs. QUS - Volatility Comparison

Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) has a higher volatility of 6.89% compared to SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) at 2.83%. This indicates that BASG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BASG	QUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	2.83%	+4.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	6.98%	+7.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.17%	9.25%	+7.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.06%	14.34%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	16.44%	+0.62%

BASG vs. QUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BASG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than QUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

BASG vs. QUS - Dividend Comparison

BASG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BASG Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.32%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BASG and QUS in my portfolio?

BASG and QUS have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BASG or QUS?

BASG has higher volatility (6.89%) compared to QUS (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BASG dropped -19.30% vs QUS's -33.78%.

Which ETF is better, BASG or QUS?

On 1-year performance, QUS leads with 17.94% vs 4.84% for BASG. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUS has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BASG or QUS?

Over the 1-year period, QUS has performed better with a 17.94% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BASG or QUS?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for BASG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BASG or QUS?

QUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 0.00% for BASG.

What is the main difference between BASG and QUS?

They also come from different issuers: Brown Advisory and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for BASG and 0.15% for QUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.28), 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.