BKAG vs. EAGG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKAG (BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF) and EAGG (iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BKAG is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg US Aggregate Total Return Index, while EAGG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Aggregate ESG Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKAG returned 0.07%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for EAGG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BKAG charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for EAGG.

Performance

BKAG vs. EAGG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) and iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKAG achieves a 0.29% return, which is significantly higher than EAGG's 0.26% return.

BKAG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 0.29%
• 6M: 0.12%
• 1Y: 5.10%
• 3Y*: 3.95%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: —

EAGG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.09%
• 1Y: 5.11%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 5Y*: 0.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

BKAG vs. EAGG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKAG BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF	0.29%	7.23%	1.17%	5.67%	-13.29%	-1.46%	2.15%
EAGG iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF	0.26%	7.18%	1.12%	5.58%	-13.63%	-1.30%	1.98%

Correlation

The correlation between BKAG and EAGG 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2020	0.96

The correlation between BKAG and EAGG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BKAG vs. EAGG — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKAG

BKAG Risk / Return Rank: 36
BKAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
BKAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
BKAG Omega Ratio Rank: 34
BKAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
BKAG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

EAGG

EAGG Risk / Return Rank: 37
EAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
EAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
EAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EAGG 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.

BKAG vs. EAGG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) and iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG). 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.

	BKAG	EAGG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	2.03	-0.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.24	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.86	-0.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.49	5.75	-0.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKAG vs. EAGG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKAG Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the EAGG Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKAG and EAGG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKAG	EAGG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	0.00	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	0.38	-0.37

Drawdowns

BKAG vs. EAGG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKAG drawdown since its inception was -18.53%, roughly equal to the maximum EAGG drawdown of -18.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKAG and EAGG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKAG	EAGG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.53%	-18.74%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.76%	-2.75%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.04%	-6.20%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.00%	-17.98%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.32%	-2.79%	+0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-6.05%	-1.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.89%	+0.04%

Volatility

BKAG vs. EAGG - Volatility Comparison

BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) and iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) have volatilities of 1.22% and 1.26%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKAG	EAGG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.22%	1.26%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.74%	2.67%	+0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	3.79%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.01%	6.03%	-0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.55%	5.50%	+0.05%

BKAG vs. EAGG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKAG has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than EAGG's 0.10% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BKAG vs. EAGG - Dividend Comparison

BKAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.24%, more than EAGG's 4.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BKAG BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF	4.24%	4.17%	4.26%	3.33%	2.49%	1.55%	1.16%	0.00%	0.00%
EAGG iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF	4.01%	3.92%	3.93%	3.24%	2.07%	1.09%	1.82%	3.17%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKAG and EAGG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, BKAG and EAGG 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 is riskier, BKAG or EAGG?

EAGG has higher volatility (1.26%) compared to BKAG (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKAG dropped -18.53% vs EAGG's -18.74%.

Which ETF is better, BKAG or EAGG?

On 5-year performance, BKAG leads with 0.07% vs 0.01% for EAGG. On fees, BKAG is cheaper at 0.00% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKAG or EAGG?

Over the 5-year period, BKAG has performed better with a 0.07% return vs 0.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKAG or EAGG?

BKAG is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for EAGG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKAG or EAGG?

BKAG has the higher dividend yield at 4.24%, compared with 4.01% for EAGG.

What is the main difference between BKAG and EAGG?

BKAG is categorized as Total Bond Market, while EAGG is Intermediate Core Bond. BKAG tracks Bloomberg US Aggregate Total Return Index, while EAGG tracks Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Aggregate ESG Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.00% for BKAG and 0.10% for EAGG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EAGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 1.32), 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.