ILCG vs. IUSG

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) and IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from iShares - ILCG tracks the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross while IUSG tracks the S&P 900 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ILCG returned 17.93%/yr vs 17.57%/yr for IUSG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

ILCG vs. IUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ILCG having a 10.86% return and IUSG slightly lower at 10.79%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ILCG having a 17.93% annualized return and IUSG not far behind at 17.57%.

ILCG

• 1D: 2.47%
• 1M: -3.07%
• YTD: 10.86%
• 6M: 9.77%
• 1Y: 20.18%
• 3Y*: 23.36%
• 5Y*: 12.85%
• 10Y*: 17.93%

IUSG

• 1D: 2.09%
• 1M: -3.01%
• YTD: 10.79%
• 6M: 9.76%
• 1Y: 24.76%
• 3Y*: 24.76%
• 5Y*: 13.85%
• 10Y*: 17.57%

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

ILCG vs. IUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	10.86%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	24.33%	38.56%	33.22%	2.06%	30.57%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	10.79%	21.23%	34.70%	29.28%	-28.81%	31.26%	32.65%	30.62%	-0.79%	27.02%

Correlation

The correlation between ILCG and IUSG is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2004	0.96

The correlation between ILCG and IUSG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

ILCG vs. IUSG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ILCG	IUSG
Technology	53.1%	51.4%
Communication Services	13.5%	15.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	8.3%
Industrials	7.7%	6.7%
Financial Services	5.5%	8.5%
Healthcare	5.2%	6.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	1.1%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.8%
Basic Materials	1.0%	0.5%
Utilities	0.7%	1.2%
Energy	0.4%	0.2%

Return for Risk

ILCG vs. IUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 32
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 47
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. IUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) 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.

	ILCG	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	1.47	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	2.04	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.26	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	1.90	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.40	7.61	-3.21

ILCG vs. IUSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is comparable to the IUSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILCG 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

ILCG vs. IUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILCG drawdown since its inception was -52.98%, smaller than the maximum IUSG drawdown of -63.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILCG and IUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILCG	IUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.98%	-63.41%	+10.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.65%	-13.07%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.10%	-22.28%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.38%	-32.21%	-3.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.38%	-32.35%	-3.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.16%	-3.84%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-21.39%	+13.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.60%	3.26%	+1.34%

Volatility

ILCG vs. IUSG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) has a higher volatility of 8.10% compared to iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) at 7.31%. This indicates that ILCG'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

	ILCG	IUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.10%	7.31%	+0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.67%	13.74%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	16.97%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	21.08%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.62%	20.47%	+1.15%

ILCG vs. IUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ILCG and IUSG have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ILCG vs. IUSG - Dividend Comparison

ILCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than IUSG's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	0.41%	0.47%	0.50%	0.69%	0.75%	0.34%	0.28%	0.54%	0.81%	0.89%	0.95%	0.99%
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 ILCG and IUSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ILCG 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, ILCG or IUSG?

ILCG has higher volatility (8.10%) compared to IUSG (7.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILCG dropped -52.98% vs IUSG's -63.41%.

Which ETF is better, ILCG or IUSG?

On 10-year performance, ILCG leads with 17.93% vs 17.57% for IUSG. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, IUSG has been the lower-risk option at 7.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILCG or IUSG?

Over the 10-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 17.93% return vs 17.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILCG or IUSG?

ILCG and IUSG have the same expense ratio: 0.04% per year.

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

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.41% for ILCG.

What is the main difference between ILCG and IUSG?

ILCG tracks Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross, while IUSG tracks S&P 900 Growth Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.14), 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.