USSG vs. ICLN

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

USSG (Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF) and ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA ESG Leaders, while ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USSG returned 13.00%/yr vs -1.04%/yr for ICLN. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USSG charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ICLN.

Performance

USSG vs. ICLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USSG achieves a 7.35% return, which is significantly lower than ICLN's 24.98% return.

USSG

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -1.46%
• YTD: 7.35%
• 6M: 5.87%
• 1Y: 22.89%
• 3Y*: 20.98%
• 5Y*: 13.00%
• 10Y*: —

ICLN

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -8.37%
• YTD: 24.98%
• 6M: 23.85%
• 1Y: 59.68%
• 3Y*: 6.42%
• 5Y*: -1.04%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

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

USSG vs. ICLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
USSG Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF	7.35%	18.97%	23.45%	29.17%	-20.33%	31.83%	18.71%	19.24%
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	24.98%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	23.57%

Correlation

The correlation between USSG and ICLN is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2019	0.58

The correlation between USSG and ICLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

USSG vs. ICLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USSG	ICLN
Technology	35.0%	10.5%
Communication Services	13.2%	-
Financial Services	10.5%	-
Healthcare	10.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	0.1%
Industrials	8.1%	28.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	-
Energy	2.1%	23.7%
Real Estate	2.1%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	1.3%
Utilities	1.7%	34.6%

Return for Risk

USSG vs. ICLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

USSG

USSG Risk / Return Rank: 53
USSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
USSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
USSG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
USSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
USSG Martin Ratio Rank: 55

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 70
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

USSG vs. ICLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) 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.

	USSG	ICLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	2.11	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.68	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	3.66	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.63	12.50	-3.88

USSG vs. ICLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USSG Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the ICLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USSG and ICLN, 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

USSG vs. ICLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USSG drawdown since its inception was -34.10%, smaller than the maximum ICLN drawdown of -87.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USSG and ICLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	USSG	ICLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.10%	-87.15%	+53.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-16.38%	+5.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.00%	-43.18%	+23.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.00%	-57.16%	+30.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.16%	-44.08%	+40.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.57%	-66.52%	+60.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	4.79%	-2.13%

Volatility

USSG vs. ICLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) is 5.28%, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) has a volatility of 13.41%. This indicates that USSG 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.

Volatility by Period

	USSG	ICLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	13.41%	-8.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.91%	23.13%	-12.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.69%	28.54%	-14.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.70%	27.69%	-9.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.16%	27.33%	-7.17%

USSG vs. ICLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

USSG has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than ICLN's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

USSG vs. ICLN - Dividend Comparison

USSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than ICLN's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	0.90%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
USSG Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF	1.01%	1.02%	1.13%	1.60%	1.52%	1.13%	1.42%	1.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USSG and ICLN in my portfolio?

USSG and ICLN have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USSG or ICLN?

ICLN has higher volatility (13.41%) compared to USSG (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USSG dropped -34.10% vs ICLN's -87.15%.

Which ETF is better, USSG or ICLN?

On 5-year performance, USSG leads with 13.00% vs -1.04% for ICLN. On fees, USSG is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, USSG has been the lower-risk option at 5.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USSG or ICLN?

Over the 5-year period, USSG has performed better with a 13.00% return vs -1.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USSG or ICLN?

USSG is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ICLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USSG or ICLN?

USSG has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.90% for ICLN.

What is the main difference between USSG and ICLN?

USSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ICLN is Alternative Energy Equities. USSG tracks MSCI USA ESG Leaders, while ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for USSG and 0.39% for ICLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.68), 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.