ILCG vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ILCG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ILCG returned 18.10%/yr vs 18.05%/yr for SPYG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

ILCG vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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 higher than SPYG's 8.70% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ILCG having a 18.10% annualized return and SPYG not far behind at 18.05%.

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%

SPYG

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 8.70%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 26.87%
• 3Y*: 25.48%
• 5Y*: 14.11%
• 10Y*: 18.05%

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

ILCG vs. SPYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	9.21%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	24.33%	38.56%	33.22%	2.06%	30.57%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.70%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-0.12%	27.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ILCG and SPYG is 0.98 - 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	0.98
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 SPYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

ILCG vs. SPYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ILCG	SPYG
Technology	53.1%	52.1%
Communication Services	13.5%	15.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	8.5%
Industrials	7.7%	5.4%
Financial Services	5.5%	9.0%
Healthcare	5.2%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	1.0%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.6%
Basic Materials	1.0%	0.3%
Utilities	0.7%	1.2%
Energy	0.4%	0.1%

Return for Risk

ILCG vs. SPYG — 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

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 45
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.57	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.17	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.28	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.96	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.86	7.79	-2.93

ILCG vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILCG and SPYG, 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. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILCG drawdown since its inception was -52.98%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILCG and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILCG	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.98%	-67.63%	+14.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.65%	-13.76%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.10%	-22.14%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.38%	-32.67%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.38%	-32.67%	-2.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	-5.52%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-24.28%	+16.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.54%	3.46%	+1.08%

Volatility

ILCG vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) has a higher volatility of 7.83% compared to State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) at 7.26%. This indicates that ILCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ILCG	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.83%	7.26%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.51%	13.90%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.70%	17.26%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.22%	21.36%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.63%	20.73%	+0.90%

ILCG vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ILCG and SPYG 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. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

ILCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than SPYG's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.50%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ILCG and SPYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, ILCG and SPYG 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 SPYG?

ILCG has higher volatility (7.83%) compared to SPYG (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILCG dropped -52.98% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which ETF is better, ILCG or SPYG?

On 10-year performance, ILCG leads with 18.10% vs 18.05% for SPYG. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, SPYG has been the lower-risk option at 7.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILCG or SPYG?

Over the 10-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 18.10% return vs 18.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILCG or SPYG?

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

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

SPYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.42% for ILCG.

What is the main difference between ILCG and SPYG?

ILCG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SPYG is S&P 500. ILCG tracks Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross, while SPYG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 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.