BRTR vs. LCTU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) and LCTU (BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BRTR is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by BlackRock, while LCTU is a ESG fund actively managed by BlackRock. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BRTR returned 5.46% vs 26.22% for LCTU. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRTR charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for LCTU.

Performance

BRTR vs. LCTU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF (LCTU). 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 lower than LCTU's 9.58% return.

BRTR

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

LCTU

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 9.58%
• 6M: 9.62%
• 1Y: 26.22%
• 3Y*: 21.43%
• 5Y*: 12.48%
• 10Y*: —

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

BRTR vs. LCTU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	0.51%	8.11%	1.29%	0.43%
LCTU BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF	9.58%	16.96%	24.00%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between BRTR and LCTU is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.25

BRTR vs. LCTU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BRTR	LCTU
Energy	25.1%	3.5%
Communication Services	23.8%	10.3%
Financial Services	22.7%	12.1%
Basic Materials	8.7%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	10.3%
Technology	6.7%	34.6%
Real Estate	2.2%	2.5%
Utilities	1.8%	2.5%
Industrials	1.5%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.9%
Healthcare	-	8.8%

Return for Risk

BRTR vs. LCTU — 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

LCTU

LCTU Risk / Return Rank: 64
LCTU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
LCTU Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
LCTU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
LCTU Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
LCTU Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. LCTU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF (LCTU). 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	LCTU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.14	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.94	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.38	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	2.81	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	12.49	-7.42
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. LCTU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the LCTU Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRTR and LCTU, 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	LCTU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.51	2.14	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.76	+0.13

Drawdowns

BRTR vs. LCTU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRTR drawdown since its inception was -5.07%, smaller than the maximum LCTU drawdown of -25.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRTR and LCTU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRTR	LCTU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-25.93%	+20.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-9.38%	+6.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.83%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-0.24%	-1.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.35%	-6.31%	+4.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	2.11%	-1.03%

Volatility

BRTR vs. LCTU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) is 1.27%, while BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF (LCTU) has a volatility of 3.01%. This indicates that BRTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LCTU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRTR	LCTU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	3.01%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	9.36%	-6.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.68%	12.30%	-8.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.69%	17.15%	-12.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.69%	17.01%	-12.32%

BRTR vs. LCTU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRTR has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than LCTU's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRTR vs. LCTU - Dividend Comparison

BRTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, more than LCTU's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	4.72%	4.86%	5.58%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%
LCTU BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF	0.92%	1.02%	1.27%	1.46%	1.63%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRTR and LCTU in my portfolio?

BRTR and LCTU have a correlation of 0.34, 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 LCTU?

LCTU has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to BRTR (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRTR dropped -5.07% vs LCTU's -25.93%.

Which ETF is better, BRTR or LCTU?

On 1-year performance, LCTU leads with 26.22% vs 5.46% for BRTR. On fees, LCTU is cheaper at 0.15% 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 LCTU?

Over the 1-year period, LCTU has performed better with a 26.22% 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 LCTU?

LCTU is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for BRTR.

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

BRTR has the higher dividend yield at 4.72%, compared with 0.92% for LCTU.

What is the main difference between BRTR and LCTU?

BRTR is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while LCTU is ESG. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for BRTR and 0.15% for LCTU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LCTU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.51), 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.