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The Best Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs

The table below compares the performance and other essential indicators like dividend yield and expense ratio of Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs.

Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs and funds hold a diversified portfolio of investment-grade bonds with intermediate maturities, while adding ("plus") a flexible allocation to higher-yielding sectors such as high-yield corporates, emerging market debt, or securitized credit. This approach seeks to enhance income and total return relative to a core bond fund, accepting modestly higher credit risk in pursuit of greater yield.

Number of ETFs
58
Avg. Expense Ratio
0.46%
Avg. Dividend Yield
4.39%
Avg. 1 Year Return
5.21%
Median Risk/Return Score
41 / 100
The Best Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs

58 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend Yield

Risk / Return Rank

Max. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondAug 17, 20201.75%
0.90%
3.20%
27
Harbor Disciplined Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMay 1, 20240.35%
1.25%
5.16%
41
ActivePassive Core Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMay 2, 20230.36%
1.04%
4.32%
38
Allspring Core Plus ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondDec 4, 20240.31%
1.07%
5.39%
35
BNY Mellon Core Plus ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondJan 9, 20260.40%1.55%
Neos Enhanced Income Aggregate Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondAug 29, 20220.58%
2.29%
5.78%
54
Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondDec 2, 20250.05%
1.06%
2.06%
Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondJan 15, 20250.81%
4.59%
8.01%
88
PIMCO Active Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMar 1, 20120.54%
1.62%
2.15%
5.13%
50
Blackrock Total Return ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondDec 12, 20230.38%
1.33%
4.69%
40
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondApr 22, 20140.17%
1.91%
2.97%
5.33%
57
First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondFeb 26, 20240.55%
1.56%
5.12%
55
Cambria Fixed Income Trend ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMar 27, 20250.71%
5.27%
3.86%
63
Capital Group Core Plus Income ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondFeb 22, 20220.34%
1.15%
5.12%
42
NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondJun 29, 20210.30%
1.39%
5.45%
39
AB Core Plus Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondDec 12, 20230.33%
1.18%
4.58%
37
Columbia Core Plus Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondDec 11, 20250.22%
1.70%
2.06%
DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMar 31, 20220.50%
0.56%
4.75%
35
Aptus Deferred Income ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondMay 13, 20250.79%
0.34%
0.00%
27
IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETFIntermediate Core-Plus BondJun 29, 20210.39%0.00%

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Best Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are ZHOG (90) and BNDS (88). The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.

Best-Performing Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs Over 5 Years

The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs is BYLD (2.25%). Across the lineup, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs show an average 1-year return of 5.21% and an average 5-year return of 0.61%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF
2.25%
453.37MApr 2014
iShares Systematic Bond ETF
1.68%
1.16BFeb 2015
JPMorgan Core Plus Bond ETF
1.14%
13.42BJan 2019
NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF
0.91%
306.67MJun 2021
Fidelity Total Bond ETF
0.86%
26.06BOct 2014

Lowest-Cost Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs

The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs is BNDP (0.05%). With an average expense ratio of 0.46%, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

SymbolNameExpense RatioAUMInception
Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF0.05%117.00MDec 2025
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF0.06%280.32MNov 2016
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF0.06%42.77BJun 2014
iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF0.12%723.41MJun 2020
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF0.17%453.37MApr 2014

Highest-Yield Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs

The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs is BNDS (8.01%). Across the lineup, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs show an average dividend yield of 4.39%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

SymbolNameDividend YieldAUMInception
Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF8.01%17.73MJan 2025
Neos Enhanced Income Aggregate Bond ETF5.78%182.03MAug 2022
Angel Oak Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF5.55%154.00MJun 2021
Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF5.52%52.86MDec 2024
F/m Opportunistic Income ETF5.46%46.35MSep 2023

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Risk vs. Return Scatterplot

The Risk vs. Return Scatterplot allows you to quickly compare funds, stocks, and ETFs in one view. It displays the yearly return of an instrument on one axis and the risk (volatility) on the other.

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