ILCG vs. DVQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) and DVQQ (WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - ILCG tracks the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross while DVQQ tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility Triple Qs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ILCG returned 22.02% vs 40.25% for DVQQ. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ILCG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.94%/yr for DVQQ.

Performance

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) and WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ILCG achieves a 9.21% return, which is significantly lower than DVQQ's 14.40% return.

ILCG

• 1D: -2.86%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 9.21%
• 6M: 7.82%
• 1Y: 22.02%
• 3Y*: 23.80%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: 18.10%

DVQQ

• 1D: -2.44%
• 1M: -1.13%
• YTD: 14.40%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 40.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	9.21%	16.71%	-4.27%
DVQQ WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF	14.40%	18.03%	-7.84%

Correlation

The correlation between ILCG and DVQQ is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.93

The correlation between ILCG and DVQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ILCG vs. DVQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 34
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

DVQQ

DVQQ Risk / Return Rank: 49
DVQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DVQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DVQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DVQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
DVQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) and WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ). 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.

	ILCG	DVQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.68	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.14	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.29	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	2.26	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.86	7.24	-2.38

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the DVQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILCG and DVQQ, 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

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILCG drawdown since its inception was -52.98%, which is greater than DVQQ's maximum drawdown of -25.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILCG and DVQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILCG	DVQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.98%	-25.28%	-27.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.65%	-17.89%	+2.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.10%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	-6.11%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-7.17%	-1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.54%	5.57%	-1.03%

Volatility

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) is 7.83%, while WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ) has a volatility of 9.57%. This indicates that ILCG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DVQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ILCG	DVQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.83%	9.57%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.51%	17.92%	-3.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.70%	24.14%	-6.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.22%	24.98%	-2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.63%	24.98%	-3.35%

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

ILCG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than DVQQ's 0.94% expense ratio.

Dividends

ILCG vs. DVQQ - Dividend Comparison

ILCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, more than DVQQ's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVQQ WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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

Can I hold both ILCG and DVQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, ILCG and DVQQ 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, ILCG or DVQQ?

DVQQ has higher volatility (9.57%) compared to ILCG (7.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILCG dropped -52.98% vs DVQQ's -25.28%.

Which ETF is better, ILCG or DVQQ?

On 1-year performance, DVQQ leads with 40.25% vs 22.02% for ILCG. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ILCG has been the lower-risk option at 7.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILCG or DVQQ?

Over the 1-year period, DVQQ has performed better with a 40.25% return vs 22.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILCG or DVQQ?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.94% for DVQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ILCG or DVQQ?

ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.03% for DVQQ.

What is the main difference between ILCG and DVQQ?

ILCG tracks Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross, while DVQQ tracks Syntax Defined Volatility Triple Qs Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WEBs. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for ILCG and 0.94% for DVQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.25), 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.