USCL vs. FTAG

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

USCL (Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - USCL tracks the MSCI USA Extended Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross while FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, USCL returned 18.82%/yr vs 3.05%/yr for FTAG. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USCL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTAG.

Performance

USCL vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF (USCL) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USCL achieves a 5.70% return, which is significantly lower than FTAG's 7.88% return.

USCL

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 5.87%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: 18.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTAG

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: -3.61%
• YTD: 7.88%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 9.23%
• 3Y*: 3.05%
• 5Y*: 1.53%
• 10Y*: 5.09%

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

USCL vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
USCL Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF	5.70%	14.26%	27.04%	12.71%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	7.88%	14.82%	-6.72%	-3.71%

Correlation

The correlation between USCL and FTAG is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 2023	0.45

The correlation between USCL and FTAG shifts across timeframes, from 0.33 (1 year) to 0.45 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

USCL vs. FTAG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USCL	FTAG
Technology	40.6%	-
Communication Services	11.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	4.2%
Healthcare	9.5%	7.7%
Financial Services	9.2%	-
Industrials	6.8%	24.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	8.5%
Energy	2.0%	-
Utilities	2.0%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.6%	55.6%

Return for Risk

USCL vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

USCL

USCL Risk / Return Rank: 42
USCL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
USCL Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
USCL Omega Ratio Rank: 42
USCL Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
USCL Martin Ratio Rank: 45

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 20
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 18
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

USCL vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF (USCL) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). 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.

	USCL	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	0.66	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.03	+1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.12	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	0.97	+0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.02	2.27	+4.75

USCL vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USCL Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is higher than the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 0.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USCL and FTAG, 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

USCL vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USCL drawdown since its inception was -19.00%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USCL and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	USCL	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.00%	-90.89%	+71.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-9.56%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.00%	-21.87%	+2.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-79.13%	+77.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-71.25%	+68.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	4.08%	-1.43%

Volatility

USCL vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF (USCL) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) at 3.88%. This indicates that USCL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USCL	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	3.88%	+0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	10.87%	-0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.65%	14.14%	-1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.94%	17.40%	-2.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.94%	19.63%	-4.69%

USCL vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

USCL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FTAG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

USCL vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

USCL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, less than FTAG's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.41%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
USCL Ishares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF	1.11%	1.10%	1.18%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USCL and FTAG in my portfolio?

USCL and FTAG have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USCL or FTAG?

USCL has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to FTAG (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USCL dropped -19.00% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, USCL or FTAG?

On 3-year performance, USCL leads with 18.82% vs 3.05% for FTAG. On fees, USCL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FTAG has been the lower-risk option at 3.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USCL or FTAG?

Over the 3-year period, USCL has performed better with a 18.82% return vs 3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USCL or FTAG?

USCL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USCL or FTAG?

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.11% for USCL.

What is the main difference between USCL and FTAG?

USCL tracks MSCI USA Extended Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for USCL and 0.70% for FTAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USCL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 0.66), 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.