MMLG vs. IUSG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MMLG (First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF) and IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. MMLG is actively managed, while IUSG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MMLG returned 8.42%/yr vs 14.80%/yr for IUSG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MMLG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for IUSG.

Performance

MMLG vs. IUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMLG achieves a 5.17% return, which is significantly lower than IUSG's 9.76% return.

MMLG

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 5.17%
• 6M: 3.49%
• 1Y: 15.80%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: —

IUSG

• 1D: -3.72%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 9.76%
• 6M: 8.82%
• 1Y: 29.45%
• 3Y*: 25.99%
• 5Y*: 14.80%
• 10Y*: 17.37%

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

MMLG vs. IUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MMLG First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF	5.17%	17.28%	25.96%	45.21%	-39.18%	13.23%	20.61%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	9.76%	21.23%	34.70%	29.28%	-28.81%	31.26%	16.53%

Correlation

The correlation between MMLG and IUSG is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2020	0.93

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

MMLG vs. IUSG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MMLG	IUSG
Technology	39.5%	48.0%
Financial Services	13.2%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	9.3%
Industrials	10.5%	7.5%
Healthcare	9.2%	6.2%
Communication Services	7.9%	17.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.3%	0.5%
Energy	1.3%	0.2%
Utilities	1.3%	0.5%
Real Estate	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

MMLG vs. IUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMLG

MMLG Risk / Return Rank: 23
MMLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
MMLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
MMLG Omega Ratio Rank: 25
MMLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
MMLG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 53
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

MMLG vs. IUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF (MMLG) 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.

	MMLG	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	1.83	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	2.46	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	2.26	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.29	9.59	-7.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MMLG vs. IUSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMLG Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is lower than the IUSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMLG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MMLG	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87	1.83	-0.96
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.71	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.38	+0.09

Drawdowns

MMLG vs. IUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMLG drawdown since its inception was -45.97%, smaller than the maximum IUSG drawdown of -63.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMLG and IUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMLG	IUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.97%	-63.41%	+17.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.89%	-13.07%	-6.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.57%	-22.28%	-4.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.97%	-32.21%	-13.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-4.73%	+2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-21.43%	+7.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.91%	3.08%	+3.83%

Volatility

MMLG vs. IUSG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF (MMLG) is 4.01%, while iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) has a volatility of 5.45%. This indicates that MMLG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IUSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMLG	IUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	5.45%	-1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	12.84%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.19%	16.18%	+2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.93%	20.92%	+4.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.53%	20.44%	+4.09%

MMLG vs. IUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMLG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMLG vs. IUSG - Dividend Comparison

MMLG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	0.49%	0.53%	0.59%	1.12%	1.07%	0.59%	0.93%	1.64%	1.32%	1.28%	1.48%	1.29%
MMLG First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMLG and IUSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, MMLG 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, MMLG or IUSG?

IUSG has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to MMLG (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMLG dropped -45.97% vs IUSG's -63.41%.

Which ETF is better, MMLG or IUSG?

On 5-year performance, IUSG leads with 14.80% vs 8.42% for MMLG. On fees, IUSG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, MMLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MMLG or IUSG?

Over the 5-year period, IUSG has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 8.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMLG or IUSG?

IUSG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MMLG.

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

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.49%, compared with 0.00% for MMLG.

What is the main difference between MMLG and IUSG?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MMLG and 0.04% for IUSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.87), 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.