SDG vs. ICLN
SDG (iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF) and ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDG is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Sustainable Development Index, while ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDG returned 8.59%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for ICLN. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ICLN.
Performance
SDG vs. ICLN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, SDG achieves a 5.30% return, which is significantly lower than ICLN's 26.14% return. Over the past 10 years, SDG has underperformed ICLN with an annualized return of 8.59%, while ICLN has yielded a comparatively higher 11.38% annualized return.
SDG
- 1D
- -1.89%
- 1M
- -2.71%
- YTD
- 5.30%
- 6M
- 4.80%
- 1Y
- 20.41%
- 3Y*
- 6.40%
- 5Y*
- -0.46%
- 10Y*
- 8.59%
ICLN
- 1D
- -4.44%
- 1M
- -7.52%
- YTD
- 26.14%
- 6M
- 25.31%
- 1Y
- 64.46%
- 3Y*
- 6.74%
- 5Y*
- -0.79%
- 10Y*
- 11.38%
SDG vs. ICLN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDG iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF | 5.30% | 20.19% | -10.09% | 4.59% | -11.51% | -1.20% | 44.36% | 25.38% | -8.32% | 27.28% |
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF | 26.14% | 47.05% | -25.72% | -20.41% | -5.43% | -24.18% | 141.82% | 44.36% | -9.03% | 21.47% |
Correlation
The correlation between SDG and ICLN is 0.69, 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 | 0.69 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.73 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.66 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2016 | 0.66 |
The correlation between SDG and ICLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
SDG vs. ICLN — Risk / Return Rank
SDG
ICLN
SDG vs. ICLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). 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.
| SDG | ICLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.90 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.89 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.36 | -0.11 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.36 | 3.96 | -1.59 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.43 | 13.73 | -5.30 |
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Drawdowns
SDG vs. ICLN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SDG drawdown since its inception was -30.35%, smaller than the maximum ICLN drawdown of -87.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDG and ICLN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| SDG | ICLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -30.35% | -87.15% | +56.80% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.68% | -16.38% | +7.70% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -22.92% | -43.18% | +20.26% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -30.35% | -57.16% | +26.81% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -30.35% | -66.75% | +36.40% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.78% | -43.56% | +38.78% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.62% | -66.53% | +56.91% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.43% | 4.71% | -2.28% |
Volatility
SDG vs. ICLN - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) is 5.94%, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) has a volatility of 13.47%. This indicates that SDG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| SDG | ICLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.94% | 13.47% | -7.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.01% | 23.14% | -11.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.02% | 28.52% | -13.50% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.79% | 27.69% | -11.90% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.64% | 27.33% | -10.69% |
SDG vs. ICLN - Expense Ratio Comparison
SDG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than ICLN's 0.39% expense ratio.
Dividends
SDG vs. ICLN - Dividend Comparison
SDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, more than ICLN's 0.89% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF | 0.89% | 1.63% | 1.85% | 1.59% | 0.89% | 1.18% | 0.34% | 1.36% | 2.77% | 2.49% | 3.88% | 2.36% |
SDG iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF | 1.72% | 2.00% | 1.95% | 1.77% | 1.82% | 1.66% | 0.97% | 1.39% | 2.47% | 2.54% | 1.34% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
SDG and ICLN have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
ICLN has higher volatility (13.47%) compared to SDG (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDG dropped -30.35% vs ICLN's -87.15%.
On 10-year performance, ICLN leads with 11.38% vs 8.59% for SDG. On fees, ICLN is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, SDG has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, ICLN has performed better with a 11.38% return vs 8.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
ICLN is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SDG.
SDG has the higher dividend yield at 1.72%, compared with 0.89% for ICLN.
SDG is categorized as Global Equities, while ICLN is Alternative Energy Equities. SDG tracks MSCI ACWI Sustainable Development Index, while ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SDG and 0.39% for ICLN.
ICLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.37), 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.
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