SAWG vs. IUSG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SAWG (AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF) and IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. SAWG is actively managed, while IUSG is passively managed. Over the past year, SAWG returned 18.49% vs 26.96% for IUSG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAWG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for IUSG.

Performance

SAWG vs. IUSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) 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, SAWG achieves a 5.60% return, which is significantly lower than IUSG's 9.19% return.

SAWG

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -2.20%
• YTD: 5.60%
• 6M: 4.59%
• 1Y: 18.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IUSG

• 1D: -2.31%
• 1M: -1.86%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 7.87%
• 1Y: 26.96%
• 3Y*: 25.00%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 17.77%

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

SAWG vs. IUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	5.60%	11.30%	6.07%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	9.19%	21.23%	13.79%

Correlation

The correlation between SAWG and IUSG is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2024	0.91

The correlation between SAWG and IUSG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAWG vs. IUSG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAWG	IUSG
Technology	46.2%	50.8%
Healthcare	14.4%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	8.4%
Financial Services	8.6%	8.7%
Communication Services	8.4%	15.2%
Industrials	7.4%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	1.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.5%
Energy	-	0.3%
Real Estate	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

SAWG vs. IUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAWG

SAWG Risk / Return Rank: 42
SAWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SAWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SAWG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SAWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SAWG Martin Ratio Rank: 44

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 47
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

SAWG vs. IUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SAWG	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.60	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.20	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.28	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	2.07	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.75	8.45	-1.70

SAWG vs. IUSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAWG Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the IUSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAWG 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.

Drawdowns

SAWG vs. IUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAWG drawdown since its inception was -18.68%, smaller than the maximum IUSG drawdown of -63.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAWG and IUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAWG	IUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.68%	-63.41%	+44.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-13.07%	+1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.28%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.32%	-5.23%	+1.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.63%	-21.40%	+18.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	3.20%	-0.46%

Volatility

SAWG vs. IUSG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) is 4.57%, while iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) has a volatility of 7.16%. This indicates that SAWG 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

	SAWG	IUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	7.16%	-2.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.38%	13.66%	-3.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	16.92%	-4.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.27%	21.06%	-4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.27%	20.48%	-4.21%

SAWG vs. IUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAWG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAWG vs. IUSG - Dividend Comparison

SAWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than IUSG's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	0.50%	0.53%	0.59%	1.12%	1.07%	0.59%	0.93%	1.64%	1.32%	1.28%	1.48%	1.29%
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	0.26%	0.27%	0.16%	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 SAWG and IUSG in my portfolio?

SAWG and IUSG have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAWG or IUSG?

IUSG has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to SAWG (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAWG dropped -18.68% vs IUSG's -63.41%.

Which ETF is better, SAWG or IUSG?

On 1-year performance, IUSG leads with 26.96% vs 18.49% for SAWG. On fees, IUSG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SAWG has been the lower-risk option at 4.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAWG or IUSG?

Over the 1-year period, IUSG has performed better with a 26.96% return vs 18.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAWG or IUSG?

IUSG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for SAWG.

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

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.26% for SAWG.

What is the main difference between SAWG and IUSG?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for SAWG and 0.04% for IUSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.44), 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.