NULG vs. ILCG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NULG (Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - NULG tracks the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth while ILCG tracks the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NULG returned 13.73%/yr vs 13.96%/yr for ILCG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NULG charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

NULG vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) 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, NULG achieves a 12.10% return, which is significantly higher than ILCG's 9.64% return.

NULG

• 1D: -3.99%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 12.10%
• 6M: 10.55%
• 1Y: 21.50%
• 3Y*: 22.92%
• 5Y*: 13.73%
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -4.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 9.64%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 24.44%
• 3Y*: 24.77%
• 5Y*: 13.96%
• 10Y*: 17.64%

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

NULG vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NULG Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF	12.10%	14.07%	23.75%	42.71%	-28.43%	28.06%	39.58%	39.23%	0.31%	24.57%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	9.64%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	24.33%	38.56%	33.22%	2.06%	30.57%

Correlation

The correlation between NULG and ILCG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2016	0.93

The correlation between NULG and ILCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

NULG vs. ILCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NULG	ILCG
Technology	56.5%	49.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	10.6%
Industrials	9.4%	8.3%
Financial Services	7.1%	6.0%
Communication Services	6.5%	14.5%
Healthcare	5.5%	5.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.1%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

NULG vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NULG

NULG Risk / Return Rank: 34
NULG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
NULG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
NULG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
NULG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
NULG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 39
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

NULG vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	NULG	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.46	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.97	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	1.57	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	5.51	-0.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NULG vs. ILCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NULG Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the ILCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NULG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NULG	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	1.46	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64	0.64	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.58	+0.29

Drawdowns

NULG vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NULG drawdown since its inception was -36.17%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NULG and ILCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NULG	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.17%	-52.98%	+16.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.50%	-15.65%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-23.10%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.17%	-35.38%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-5.21%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.84%	-8.22%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	4.44%	-0.17%

Volatility

NULG vs. ILCG - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) have volatilities of 6.19% and 5.97%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NULG	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.19%	5.97%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.18%	13.53%	+0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.49%	16.85%	+0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.58%	22.07%	-0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	21.57%	-0.14%

NULG vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NULG has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NULG vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

NULG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, 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%
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%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NULG and ILCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, NULG 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, NULG or ILCG?

NULG has higher volatility (6.19%) compared to ILCG (5.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NULG dropped -36.17% vs ILCG's -52.98%.

Which ETF is better, NULG or ILCG?

On 5-year performance, ILCG leads with 13.96% vs 13.73% for NULG. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ILCG has been the lower-risk option at 5.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NULG or ILCG?

Over the 5-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 13.96% return vs 13.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NULG or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for NULG.

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

ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.10% for NULG.

What is the main difference between NULG and ILCG?

NULG tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Growth, while ILCG tracks Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NULG and 0.04% for ILCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.23), 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.