LRGE vs. NULG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LRGE (ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF) and NULG (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. LRGE is actively managed, while NULG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LRGE returned 10.94%/yr vs 14.75%/yr for NULG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LRGE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for NULG.

Performance

LRGE vs. NULG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF (LRGE) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LRGE achieves a 5.35% return, which is significantly lower than NULG's 17.22% return.

LRGE

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: 5.34%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: 13.78%
• 3Y*: 18.98%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: —

NULG

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 9.65%
• YTD: 17.22%
• 6M: 16.63%
• 1Y: 27.56%
• 3Y*: 24.88%
• 5Y*: 14.75%
• 10Y*: —

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

LRGE vs. NULG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LRGE ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF	5.35%	9.54%	26.32%	46.36%	-31.45%	22.93%	31.89%	33.38%	-0.38%	16.00%
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	17.22%	14.07%	23.75%	42.71%	-28.43%	28.06%	39.58%	39.23%	0.31%	10.07%

Correlation

The correlation between LRGE and NULG is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2017	0.88

The correlation between LRGE and NULG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

LRGE vs. NULG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LRGE	NULG
Technology	44.5%	56.5%
Consumer Cyclical	18.7%	9.8%
Communication Services	11.3%	6.5%
Financial Services	8.7%	7.1%
Healthcare	6.5%	5.5%
Industrials	5.5%	9.4%
Basic Materials	2.9%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	2.1%
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	1.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

LRGE vs. NULG — Risk / Return Rank

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

LRGE

LRGE Risk / Return Rank: 22
LRGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
LRGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
LRGE Omega Ratio Rank: 23
LRGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
LRGE Martin Ratio Rank: 21

NULG

NULG Risk / Return Rank: 43
NULG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NULG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
NULG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
NULG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NULG Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

LRGE vs. NULG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF (LRGE) and Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG). 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.

	LRGE	NULG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	1.63	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.21	2.23	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.29	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	1.91	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.50	6.49	-3.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LRGE vs. NULG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LRGE Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is lower than the NULG Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LRGE and NULG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	LRGE	NULG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84	1.63	-0.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.69	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.90	-0.15

Drawdowns

LRGE vs. NULG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LRGE drawdown since its inception was -37.03%, roughly equal to the maximum NULG drawdown of -36.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LRGE and NULG.

Drawdown Indicators

	LRGE	NULG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.03%	-36.17%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.32%	-14.50%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.26%	-22.28%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.03%	-36.17%	-0.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-0.60%	-1.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.20%	-6.84%	-0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.52%	4.26%	+1.26%

Volatility

LRGE vs. NULG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF (LRGE) is 4.31%, while Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that LRGE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NULG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LRGE	NULG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.74%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.50%	13.56%	-1.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.44%	17.03%	-0.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.68%	21.52%	-0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.61%	21.40%	-0.79%

LRGE vs. NULG - Expense Ratio Comparison

LRGE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than NULG's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

LRGE vs. NULG - Dividend Comparison

LRGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, more than NULG's 0.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LRGE ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF	0.12%	0.13%	0.18%	0.11%	2.02%	1.20%	0.37%	0.37%	2.10%	0.37%
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.10%	0.11%	0.16%	0.43%	0.40%	5.08%	2.68%	1.10%	3.73%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LRGE and NULG in my portfolio?

LRGE and NULG have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LRGE or NULG?

NULG has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to LRGE (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LRGE dropped -37.03% vs NULG's -36.17%.

Which ETF is better, LRGE or NULG?

On 5-year performance, NULG leads with 14.75% vs 10.94% for LRGE. On fees, NULG is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, LRGE has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LRGE or NULG?

Over the 5-year period, NULG has performed better with a 14.75% return vs 10.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LRGE or NULG?

NULG is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for LRGE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LRGE or NULG?

LRGE has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.10% for NULG.

What is the main difference between LRGE and NULG?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for LRGE and 0.25% for NULG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NULG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 0.84), 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.