AMJB vs. AGG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AMJB (Alerian MLP Index ETN) and AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMJB is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index, while AGG is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AMJB returned 13.35% vs 4.33% for AGG. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMJB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for AGG.

Performance

AMJB vs. AGG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian MLP Index ETN (AMJB) and iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMJB achieves a 14.98% return, which is significantly higher than AGG's 0.47% return.

AMJB

• 1D: 2.73%
• 1M: -7.15%
• YTD: 14.98%
• 6M: 14.48%
• 1Y: 13.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AGG

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.55%
• 1Y: 4.33%
• 3Y*: 3.96%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: 1.54%

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

AMJB vs. AGG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AMJB Alerian MLP Index ETN	14.98%	1.36%	10.85%
AGG iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.47%	7.19%	2.41%

Correlation

The correlation between AMJB and AGG is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2024	0.02

The correlation between AMJB and AGG shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.02 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AMJB vs. AGG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMJB

AMJB Risk / Return Rank: 25
AMJB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
AMJB Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
AMJB Omega Ratio Rank: 23
AMJB Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
AMJB Martin Ratio Rank: 27

AGG

AGG Risk / Return Rank: 32
AGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
AGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
AGG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
AGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
AGG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

AMJB vs. AGG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian MLP Index ETN (AMJB) and iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG). 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.

	AMJB	AGG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	1.14	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.30	1.69	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.20	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	1.57	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.57	4.54	-0.97

AMJB vs. AGG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMJB Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is comparable to the AGG Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMJB and AGG, 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

AMJB vs. AGG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMJB drawdown since its inception was -17.70%, roughly equal to the maximum AGG drawdown of -18.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMJB and AGG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMJB	AGG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.70%	-18.43%	+0.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.80%	-2.76%	-9.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.11%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.82%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.43%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.22%	-1.93%	-6.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-2.71%	-2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.77%	0.96%	+2.81%

Volatility

AMJB vs. AGG - Volatility Comparison

Alerian MLP Index ETN (AMJB) has a higher volatility of 6.58% compared to iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) at 1.10%. This indicates that AMJB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AGG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMJB	AGG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.58%	1.10%	+5.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.44%	2.83%	+9.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	3.81%	+12.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.32%	6.10%	+12.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	5.41%	+12.91%

AMJB vs. AGG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMJB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than AGG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMJB vs. AGG - Dividend Comparison

AMJB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.98%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AGG iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	3.98%	3.89%	3.74%	3.13%	2.39%	1.77%	2.14%	2.70%	2.72%	2.32%	2.39%	2.45%
AMJB Alerian MLP Index ETN	0.00%	0.00%	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 AMJB and AGG in my portfolio?

AMJB and AGG have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMJB or AGG?

AMJB has higher volatility (6.58%) compared to AGG (1.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMJB dropped -17.70% vs AGG's -18.43%.

Which ETF is better, AMJB or AGG?

On 1-year performance, AMJB leads with 13.35% vs 4.33% for AGG. On fees, AGG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AGG has been the lower-risk option at 1.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMJB or AGG?

Over the 1-year period, AMJB has performed better with a 13.35% return vs 4.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMJB or AGG?

AGG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for AMJB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMJB or AGG?

AGG has the higher dividend yield at 3.98%, compared with 0.00% for AMJB.

What is the main difference between AMJB and AGG?

AMJB is categorized as Energy Equities, while AGG is Total Bond Market. AMJB tracks Alerian MLP Index, while AGG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for AMJB and 0.03% for AGG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.85), 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.