BRTR vs. CLOA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) and CLOA (BlackRock AAA CLO ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BRTR is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by BlackRock, while CLOA is a CLO fund actively managed by BlackRock. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BRTR returned 5.97% vs 5.28% for CLOA. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRTR charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for CLOA.

Performance

BRTR vs. CLOA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and BlackRock AAA CLO ETF (CLOA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRTR achieves a 0.40% return, which is significantly lower than CLOA's 2.06% return.

BRTR

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 0.40%
• 6M: 0.28%
• 1Y: 5.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CLOA

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 2.06%
• 6M: 2.51%
• 1Y: 5.28%
• 3Y*: 6.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BRTR vs. CLOA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	0.40%	8.11%	1.29%	0.43%
CLOA BlackRock AAA CLO ETF	2.06%	5.44%	7.25%	0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between BRTR and CLOA is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.03

Return for Risk

BRTR vs. CLOA — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRTR

BRTR Risk / Return Rank: 42
BRTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
BRTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
BRTR Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BRTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
BRTR Martin Ratio Rank: 36

CLOA

CLOA Risk / Return Rank: 99
CLOA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
CLOA Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
CLOA Omega Ratio Rank: 99
CLOA Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
CLOA Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

BRTR vs. CLOA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and BlackRock AAA CLO ETF (CLOA). 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.

	BRTR	CLOA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	7.45	-5.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	13.98	-11.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	3.34	-2.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	30.02	-28.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.57	150.47	-144.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BRTR vs. CLOA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is lower than the CLOA Sharpe Ratio of 7.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRTR and CLOA, 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

	BRTR	CLOA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.63	7.45	-5.82
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	5.22	-4.34

Drawdowns

BRTR vs. CLOA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRTR drawdown since its inception was -5.07%, which is greater than CLOA's maximum drawdown of -1.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRTR and CLOA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRTR	CLOA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-1.34%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-0.18%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	0.00%	-1.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.35%	-0.05%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	0.04%	+1.04%

Volatility

BRTR vs. CLOA - Volatility Comparison

Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) has a higher volatility of 1.28% compared to BlackRock AAA CLO ETF (CLOA) at 0.15%. This indicates that BRTR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CLOA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRTR	CLOA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	0.15%	+1.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	0.48%	+2.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.68%	0.71%	+2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.69%	1.32%	+3.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.69%	1.32%	+3.37%

BRTR vs. CLOA - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRTR has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than CLOA's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRTR vs. CLOA - Dividend Comparison

BRTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, less than CLOA's 4.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	4.73%	4.86%	5.58%	0.22%
CLOA BlackRock AAA CLO ETF	4.96%	5.35%	6.01%	5.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRTR and CLOA in my portfolio?

BRTR and CLOA have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRTR or CLOA?

BRTR has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to CLOA (0.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRTR dropped -5.07% vs CLOA's -1.34%.

Which ETF is better, BRTR or CLOA?

On 1-year performance, BRTR leads with 5.97% vs 5.28% for CLOA. On fees, CLOA is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, CLOA has been the lower-risk option at 0.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRTR or CLOA?

Over the 1-year period, BRTR has performed better with a 5.97% return vs 5.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRTR or CLOA?

CLOA is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for BRTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BRTR or CLOA?

CLOA has the higher dividend yield at 4.96%, compared with 4.73% for BRTR.

What is the main difference between BRTR and CLOA?

BRTR is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while CLOA is CLO. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for BRTR and 0.20% for CLOA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CLOA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (7.45 vs 1.63), 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.