JGRO vs. ILCG

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

JGRO (JPMorgan Active Growth ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. JGRO is actively managed, while ILCG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, JGRO returned 17.01%/yr vs 21.04%/yr for ILCG. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. JGRO charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

JGRO vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JGRO achieves a -0.15% return, which is significantly lower than ILCG's 8.39% return.

JGRO

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -3.56%
• 6M: 0.27%
• YTD: -0.15%
• 1Y: 6.54%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: -2.03%
• 6M: 7.44%
• YTD: 8.39%
• 1Y: 14.48%
• 3Y*: 21.04%
• 5Y*: 12.12%
• 10Y*: 17.28%

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

JGRO vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
JGRO JPMorgan Active Growth ETF	-0.15%	14.71%	32.77%	37.74%	-10.43%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	8.39%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-14.69%

Correlation

The correlation between JGRO and ILCG 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2022	0.98

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

JGRO vs. ILCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JGRO	ILCG
Technology	47.2%	53.1%
Communication Services	12.8%	13.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	10.1%
Healthcare	9.9%	5.2%
Industrials	8.7%	7.7%
Financial Services	4.8%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	1.4%
Energy	1.6%	0.4%
Basic Materials	0.3%	1.0%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.3%
Utilities	0.1%	0.7%

Return for Risk

JGRO vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JGRO

JGRO Risk / Return Rank: 16
JGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
JGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
JGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 15
JGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
JGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 16

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 26
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 25
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

JGRO vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	JGRO	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.38	0.80	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	1.18	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.15	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	0.93	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.17	3.09	-1.92

JGRO vs. ILCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JGRO Sharpe Ratio is 0.38, which is lower than the ILCG Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JGRO and ILCG, 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

JGRO vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JGRO drawdown since its inception was -22.70%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JGRO and ILCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JGRO	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.70%	-52.98%	+30.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-15.65%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.70%	-23.10%	+0.40%
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	-6.87%	-6.29%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.82%	-8.20%	+3.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.61%	4.70%	+0.91%

Volatility

JGRO vs. ILCG - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Active Growth ETF (JGRO) has a higher volatility of 7.16% compared to iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) at 6.60%. This indicates that JGRO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ILCG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JGRO	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	6.60%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.93%	15.23%	-1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.41%	18.24%	-0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.09%	22.32%	-2.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	21.65%	-1.56%

JGRO vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JGRO has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

JGRO vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

JGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than ILCG's 0.42% 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%
JGRO JPMorgan Active Growth ETF	0.16%	0.16%	0.10%	0.17%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JGRO and ILCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, JGRO and ILCG 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, JGRO or ILCG?

JGRO has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to ILCG (6.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JGRO dropped -22.70% vs ILCG's -52.98%.

Which ETF is better, JGRO or ILCG?

On 3-year performance, ILCG leads with 21.04% vs 17.01% for JGRO. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ILCG has been the lower-risk option at 6.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JGRO or ILCG?

Over the 3-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 21.04% return vs 17.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JGRO or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for JGRO.

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

ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.16% for JGRO.

What is the main difference between JGRO and ILCG?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for JGRO and 0.04% for ILCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.38), 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.