NDVG vs. ILCG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NDVG (Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. NDVG is actively managed, while ILCG is passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NDVG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

NDVG vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

NDVG

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: 7.68%
• YTD: 14.48%
• 6M: 14.61%
• 1Y: 29.51%
• 3Y*: 26.55%
• 5Y*: 14.95%
• 10Y*: 18.15%

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

NDVG vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	-1.62%	10.06%	17.60%	15.15%	-9.55%	11.07%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	14.48%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	6.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NDVG and ILCG is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2021	0.78

The correlation between NDVG and ILCG shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NDVG vs. ILCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NDVG	ILCG
Technology	28.9%	49.8%
Financial Services	14.7%	6.0%
Industrials	10.2%	8.3%
Healthcare	9.8%	5.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	1.6%
Energy	5.3%	0.5%
Utilities	5.1%	0.8%
Real Estate	3.9%	1.4%
Communication Services	2.7%	14.5%
Basic Materials	2.2%	1.1%

Return for Risk

NDVG vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 46
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

NDVG vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NDVG	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.59	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	NDVG	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-52.98%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.65%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.10%	—
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	—	-1.02%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-8.22%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NDVG	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.81%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	16.31%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	22.00%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	21.53%	—

NDVG vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NDVG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

NDVG vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

NDVG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than ILCG's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	0.40%	0.47%	0.50%	0.69%	0.75%	0.34%	0.28%	0.54%	0.81%	0.89%	0.95%	0.99%
NDVG Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF	4.41%	1.05%	1.20%	1.24%	1.34%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NDVG and ILCG in my portfolio?

NDVG and ILCG have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NDVG or ILCG?

On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NDVG or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for NDVG.

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

NDVG has the higher dividend yield at 4.41%, compared with 0.40% for ILCG.

What is the main difference between NDVG and ILCG?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for NDVG and 0.04% for ILCG.