GQGU vs. STLG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) and STLG (iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. GQGU is actively managed, while STLG is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. GQGU charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for STLG.

Performance

GQGU vs. STLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF (STLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GQGU achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly lower than STLG's 21.29% return.

GQGU

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 7.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STLG

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 11.92%
• YTD: 21.29%
• 6M: 21.80%
• 1Y: 43.57%
• 3Y*: 33.60%
• 5Y*: 20.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

GQGU vs. STLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.60%	-1.14%
STLG iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF	21.29%	12.01%

Correlation

The correlation between GQGU and STLG is -0.25, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

GQGU vs. STLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

STLG

STLG Risk / Return Rank: 69
STLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
STLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
STLG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
STLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
STLG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

GQGU vs. STLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF (STLG). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GQGU	STLG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.90	-0.30

Drawdowns

GQGU vs. STLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGU drawdown since its inception was -6.65%, smaller than the maximum STLG drawdown of -31.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGU and STLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGU	STLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-31.34%	+24.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.69%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.66%	-0.73%	-3.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.54%	-7.36%	+4.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.40%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GQGU	STLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.03%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.89%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	17.89%	-7.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.14%	21.97%	-11.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.14%	23.89%	-13.75%

GQGU vs. STLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GQGU has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than STLG's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

GQGU vs. STLG - Dividend Comparison

GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than STLG's 0.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
STLG iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF	0.25%	0.31%	0.38%	0.75%	1.85%	0.67%	0.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GQGU and STLG in my portfolio?

GQGU and STLG have a correlation of -0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GQGU or STLG?

On fees, STLG is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GQGU or STLG?

STLG is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for GQGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GQGU or STLG?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.25% for STLG.

What is the main difference between GQGU and STLG?

They also come from different issuers: GQG Partners and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for GQGU and 0.25% for STLG.