USMC vs. GQGU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USMC (Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. USMC is passively managed, while GQGU is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. USMC charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQGU.

Performance

USMC vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USMC achieves a 8.73% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 6.60% return.

USMC

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 5.52%
• YTD: 8.73%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: 23.60%
• 3Y*: 21.98%
• 5Y*: 15.40%
• 10Y*: —

GQGU

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 7.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USMC vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	8.73%	9.93%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.60%	-1.14%

Correlation

The correlation between USMC and GQGU is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	-0.13

Return for Risk

USMC vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMC

USMC Risk / Return Rank: 54
USMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
USMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
USMC Omega Ratio Rank: 56
USMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
USMC 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.

USMC vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

	USMC	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.80	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USMC	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	0.60	+0.24

Drawdowns

USMC vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMC drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -6.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMC and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMC	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-6.65%	-23.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.30%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-4.66%	+4.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.40%	-2.54%	-1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USMC	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.68%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.81%	10.14%	+1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.36%	10.14%	+6.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.25%	10.14%	+8.11%

USMC vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMC has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than GQGU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

USMC vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

USMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than GQGU's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	0.74%	0.79%	1.04%	1.35%	1.78%	1.53%	1.55%	2.01%	2.28%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMC and GQGU in my portfolio?

USMC and GQGU have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USMC or GQGU?

On fees, USMC is cheaper at 0.12% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMC or GQGU?

USMC is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for GQGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USMC or GQGU?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.74% for USMC.

What is the main difference between USMC and GQGU?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and GQG Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for USMC and 0.49% for GQGU.