FDG vs. IUSG

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FDG (American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF) and IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FDG is actively managed, while IUSG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDG returned 8.96%/yr vs 12.96%/yr for IUSG. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FDG charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for IUSG.

Performance

FDG vs. IUSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDG achieves a 0.10% return, which is significantly lower than IUSG's 10.32% return.

FDG

• 1D: 3.17%
• 1M: -3.88%
• 6M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 1Y: 14.28%
• 3Y*: 22.99%
• 5Y*: 8.96%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.05%

IUSG

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 9.46%
• YTD: 10.32%
• 1Y: 21.76%
• 3Y*: 23.41%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 17.06%
• ALL TIME*: 8.10%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	$1.83M	$1.61M	$2.38M
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	$108.31M	$93.20M	$100.12M

FDG vs. IUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.10%	22.13%	45.89%	37.22%	-35.74%	8.52%	96.27%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	10.32%	21.23%	34.70%	29.28%	-28.81%	31.26%	63.52%

Correlation

The correlation between FDG and IUSG is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2020	0.92

The correlation between FDG and IUSG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDG vs. IUSG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDG	IUSG
Technology	39.9%	50.9%
Communication Services	24.5%	14.9%
Consumer Cyclical	16.8%	8.5%
Healthcare	9.2%	6.5%
Industrials	5.5%	7.7%
Financial Services	3.5%	8.6%
Energy	0.6%	0.2%
Utilities	0.1%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

FDG vs. IUSG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FDG

FDG Risk / Return Rank: 24
FDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 44
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FDG vs. IUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG). 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.

	FDG	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.55	1.10	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.87	1.59	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.19	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	1.49	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.06	5.55	-3.49

FDG vs. IUSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDG Sharpe Ratio is 0.55, which is lower than the IUSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDG and IUSG, 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

FDG vs. IUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDG drawdown since its inception was -43.69%, smaller than the maximum IUSG drawdown of -63.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDG and IUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDG	IUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.69%	-63.41%	+19.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.71%	-13.07%	-2.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.14%	-22.28%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.69%	-32.21%	-11.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.82%	-4.25%	-5.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-21.33%	+8.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.45%	3.52%	+1.93%

Volatility

FDG vs. IUSG - Volatility Comparison

American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) has a higher volatility of 7.67% compared to iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) at 5.95%. This indicates that FDG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IUSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDG	IUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.67%	5.95%	+1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.13%	14.56%	+2.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.59%	17.79%	+2.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.09%	21.19%	+3.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.99%	20.54%	+4.45%

FDG vs. IUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDG has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDG vs. IUSG - Dividend Comparison

FDG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	0.50%	0.53%	0.59%	1.12%	1.07%	0.59%	0.93%	1.64%	1.32%	1.28%	1.48%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDG and IUSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FDG and IUSG 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.

Which is riskier, FDG or IUSG?

FDG has higher volatility (7.67%) compared to IUSG (5.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDG dropped -43.69% vs IUSG's -63.41%.

Which ETF is better, FDG or IUSG?

On 5-year performance, IUSG leads with 12.96% vs 8.96% for FDG. On fees, IUSG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, IUSG has been the lower-risk option at 5.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDG or IUSG?

Over the 5-year period, IUSG has performed better with a 12.96% return vs 8.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDG or IUSG?

IUSG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDG or IUSG?

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.00% for FDG.

What is the main difference between FDG and IUSG?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDG and 0.04% for IUSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.10 vs 0.55), 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.