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
- 60
- Avg. Expense Ratio
- 0.47%
- Avg. Dividend Yield
- 4.40%
- Avg. 1 Year Return
- 4.49%
- Median Risk/Return Score
- 40 / 100
The Best Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs
3 results
| Symbol | Full Name | Category | Inception | Expense Ratio | YTD Return | 10Y Return (Annualized) | Dividend Yield | Risk / Return Rank | Max. Drawdown | Sharpe Ratio | Sortino Ratio | Omega Ratio | Martin Ratio | Calmar Ratio | Ulcer Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CI DoubleLine Total Return Bond US$ Fund ETF C$ He... | Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, Total Bond Market | May 12, 2020 | 0.85% | -0.60% | — | 4.55% | 32 | ||||||||
| Dynamic Active Bond ETF | Intermediate Core-Plus Bond | Oct 31, 2024 | 0.33% | 1.47% | — | 4.27% | 41 | ||||||||
| CI North American Core Plus Bond ETF | Intermediate Core-Plus Bond | Oct 9, 2018 | — | 0.80% | — | 2.96% | 37 |
Best Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs by Risk/Return Score
The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are ZHOG (92) and BNDS (91).
The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.
| Symbol | Name | Risk / Return Rank | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F/m Opportunistic Income ETF | 92 | 46.26M | Sep 2023 | |
| Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF | 91 | 17.73M | Jan 2025 | |
| Angel Oak Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF | 80 | 147.84M | Jun 2021 | |
| SanJac Alpha Core Plus Bond ETF | 67 | 2.28M | Sep 2024 | |
| Cambria Fixed Income Trend ETF | 58 | — | Mar 2025 |
Best-Performing Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs Over 5 Years
The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs is BYLD (1.96%).
Across the lineup, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs show an average 1-year return of 4.49% and an average 5-year return of 0.27%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.
| Symbol | Name | Return 5Y | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF | 1.96% | 450.18M | Apr 2014 | |
| iShares Systematic Bond ETF | 1.31% | 1.17B | Feb 2015 | |
| JPMorgan Core Plus Bond ETF | 0.84% | 13.84B | Jan 2019 | |
| NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF | 0.63% | 335.93M | Jun 2021 | |
| Fidelity Total Bond ETF | 0.52% | 26.62B | Oct 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 0.47%, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.
| Symbol | Name | Expense Ratio | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF | 0.05% | 128.00M | Dec 2025 | |
| iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF | 0.06% | 277.19M | Nov 2016 | |
| iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF | 0.06% | 42.98B | Jun 2014 | |
| iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF | 0.12% | 715.61M | Jun 2020 | |
| iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF | 0.17% | 450.18M | Apr 2014 |
Highest-Yield Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs
The top Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs is BNDS (7.98%).
Across the lineup, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond ETFs show an average dividend yield of 4.40%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.
| Symbol | Name | Dividend Yield | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF | 7.98% | 17.73M | Jan 2025 | |
| Neos Enhanced Income Aggregate Bond ETF | 6.36% | 185.96M | Aug 2022 | |
| Angel Oak Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF | 5.66% | 147.84M | Jun 2021 | |
| Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF | 5.58% | 52.86M | Dec 2024 | |
| NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF | 5.52% | 335.93M | Jun 2021 |
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Top ETFs Comparisons
Compare the top ETFs symbols based on PortfoliosLab usage data.
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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