BRTR vs. IMTB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) and IMTB (iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. BRTR is actively managed, while IMTB is passively managed. Over the past year, BRTR returned 5.46% vs 5.66% for IMTB. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BRTR charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMTB.

Performance

BRTR vs. IMTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRTR achieves a 0.51% return, which is significantly higher than IMTB's 0.14% return.

BRTR

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.51%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 5.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IMTB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 0.14%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 5.66%
• 3Y*: 4.82%
• 5Y*: 0.58%
• 10Y*: —

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

BRTR vs. IMTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	0.51%	8.11%	1.29%	0.43%
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	0.14%	8.88%	1.94%	0.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BRTR and IMTB is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.92

The correlation between BRTR and IMTB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BRTR vs. IMTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRTR

BRTR Risk / Return Rank: 40
BRTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
BRTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BRTR Omega Ratio Rank: 42
BRTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
BRTR Martin Ratio Rank: 34

IMTB

IMTB Risk / Return Rank: 41
IMTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IMTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
IMTB Omega Ratio Rank: 39
IMTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
IMTB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. IMTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB). 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	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.41	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.14	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.99	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	6.13	-1.07
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. IMTB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the IMTB Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRTR and IMTB, 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	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.51	1.41	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.36	+0.53

Drawdowns

BRTR vs. IMTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRTR drawdown since its inception was -5.07%, smaller than the maximum IMTB drawdown of -18.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRTR and IMTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRTR	IMTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-18.15%	+13.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-2.86%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.80%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.11%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-1.58%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.35%	-4.13%	+2.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	0.92%	+0.16%

Volatility

BRTR vs. IMTB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) is 1.27%, while iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) has a volatility of 1.46%. This indicates that BRTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IMTB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRTR	IMTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	1.46%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	3.02%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.68%	4.05%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.69%	6.28%	-1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.69%	5.18%	-0.49%

BRTR vs. IMTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRTR has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than IMTB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRTR vs. IMTB - Dividend Comparison

BRTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, more than IMTB's 4.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	4.72%	4.86%	5.58%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	4.52%	4.40%	4.42%	4.13%	2.90%	2.49%	2.63%	2.91%	3.04%	2.75%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRTR and IMTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BRTR and IMTB 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, BRTR or IMTB?

IMTB has higher volatility (1.46%) compared to BRTR (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRTR dropped -5.07% vs IMTB's -18.15%.

Which ETF is better, BRTR or IMTB?

On 1-year performance, IMTB leads with 5.66% vs 5.46% for BRTR. On fees, IMTB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, BRTR has been the lower-risk option at 1.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRTR or IMTB?

Over the 1-year period, IMTB has performed better with a 5.66% return vs 5.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRTR or IMTB?

IMTB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for BRTR.

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

BRTR has the higher dividend yield at 4.72%, compared with 4.52% for IMTB.

What is the main difference between BRTR and IMTB?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for BRTR and 0.06% for IMTB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.41), 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.