NBGX vs. ILCB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NBGX (Neuberger Growth ETF) and ILCB (iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. NBGX is actively managed, while ILCB is passively managed. Over the past year, NBGX returned 19.09% vs 28.46% for ILCB. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBGX charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for ILCB.

Performance

NBGX vs. ILCB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) and iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBGX achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly lower than ILCB's 11.56% return.

NBGX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 19.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCB

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 4.85%
• YTD: 11.56%
• 6M: 11.45%
• 1Y: 28.46%
• 3Y*: 22.90%
• 5Y*: 13.55%
• 10Y*: 14.98%

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

NBGX vs. ILCB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBGX Neuberger Growth ETF	6.18%	16.40%	-0.53%
ILCB iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF	11.56%	17.70%	0.23%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGX and ILCB is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2024	0.93

The correlation between NBGX and ILCB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBGX vs. ILCB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBGX

NBGX Risk / Return Rank: 34
NBGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
NBGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
NBGX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
NBGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
NBGX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

ILCB

ILCB Risk / Return Rank: 72
ILCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
ILCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
ILCB Omega Ratio Rank: 73
ILCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
ILCB Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

NBGX vs. ILCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) and iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB). 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.

	NBGX	ILCB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	2.38	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	3.24	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.43	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	3.14	-1.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.44	14.46	-10.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NBGX vs. ILCB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is lower than the ILCB Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGX and ILCB, 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

	NBGX	ILCB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36	2.38	-1.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.64	+0.14

Drawdowns

NBGX vs. ILCB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGX drawdown since its inception was -21.55%, smaller than the maximum ILCB drawdown of -51.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGX and ILCB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGX	ILCB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.55%	-51.53%	+29.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-9.09%	-5.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-0.27%	-0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.92%	-6.23%	+2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.31%	1.97%	+2.34%

Volatility

NBGX vs. ILCB - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) has a higher volatility of 3.12% compared to iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF (ILCB) at 2.83%. This indicates that NBGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ILCB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBGX	ILCB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.12%	2.83%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	9.11%	+1.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	12.01%	+2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.96%	17.12%	+2.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.96%	18.16%	+1.80%

NBGX vs. ILCB - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBGX has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCB's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBGX vs. ILCB - Dividend Comparison

NBGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than ILCB's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILCB iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF	0.96%	1.11%	1.19%	1.43%	1.65%	1.16%	1.26%	2.25%	2.17%	1.81%	1.97%	2.44%
NBGX Neuberger Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBGX and ILCB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, NBGX and ILCB 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, NBGX or ILCB?

NBGX has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to ILCB (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGX dropped -21.55% vs ILCB's -51.53%.

Which ETF is better, NBGX or ILCB?

On 1-year performance, ILCB leads with 28.46% vs 19.09% for NBGX. On fees, ILCB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, ILCB has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBGX or ILCB?

Over the 1-year period, ILCB has performed better with a 28.46% return vs 19.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBGX or ILCB?

ILCB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for NBGX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBGX or ILCB?

ILCB has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.39% for NBGX.

What is the main difference between NBGX and ILCB?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for NBGX and 0.03% for ILCB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.36), 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.