VUSG vs. ILCG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. VUSG is actively managed, while ILCG is passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

VUSG vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSG achieves a 4.42% return, which is significantly lower than ILCG's 9.64% return.

VUSG

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 4.42%
• 6M: 2.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -4.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 9.64%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 24.44%
• 3Y*: 24.77%
• 5Y*: 13.96%
• 10Y*: 17.64%

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

VUSG vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.42%	3.21%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	9.64%	2.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and ILCG is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 39
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

VUSG vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSG	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.64	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.58	+0.19

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and ILCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-52.98%	+37.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.65%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.10%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.38%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.07%	-5.21%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-8.22%	+4.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.44%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.97%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	16.85%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.62%	22.07%	-2.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.62%	21.57%	-1.95%

VUSG vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than ILCG's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	0.42%	0.47%	0.50%	0.69%	0.75%	0.34%	0.28%	0.54%	0.81%	0.89%	0.95%	0.99%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSG and ILCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VUSG and ILCG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VUSG or ILCG?

On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSG or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for VUSG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSG or ILCG?

ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.02% for VUSG.

What is the main difference between VUSG and ILCG?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.04% for ILCG.