USMC vs. IG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USMC (Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF) and IG (Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USMC is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq US Mega Cap Select Leaders Index, while IG is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by Principal. USMC is passively managed, while IG is actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USMC charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for IG.

Performance

USMC vs. IG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

USMC

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 20.33%
• 3Y*: 20.41%
• 5Y*: 14.61%
• 10Y*: —

IG

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USMC vs. IG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	5.92%
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between USMC and IG is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	0.64

Return for Risk

USMC vs. IG — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMC

USMC Risk / Return Rank: 47
USMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
USMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
USMC Omega Ratio Rank: 48
USMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
USMC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

IG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. IG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG). 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.

	USMC	IG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	—	—

Drawdowns

USMC vs. IG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMC drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, which is greater than IG's maximum drawdown of -1.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMC and IG.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMC	IG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-1.75%	-28.22%
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	-2.46%	-0.29%	-2.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.39%	-0.45%	-3.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USMC	IG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.43%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	4.81%	+7.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.43%	4.81%	+11.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.25%	4.81%	+13.44%

USMC vs. IG - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMC has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than IG's 0.26% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USMC vs. IG - Dividend Comparison

USMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, less than IG's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	0.76%	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 IG in my portfolio?

USMC and IG have a correlation of 0.64, 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 IG?

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 IG?

USMC is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for IG.

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

IG has the higher dividend yield at 0.84%, compared with 0.76% for USMC.

What is the main difference between USMC and IG?

USMC is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IG is Corporate Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for USMC and 0.26% for IG.