BRTR vs. TOTR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) and TOTR (T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BRTR returned 5.10% vs 4.79% for TOTR. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BRTR charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for TOTR.

Performance

BRTR vs. TOTR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRTR achieves a 1.12% return, which is significantly higher than TOTR's 1.02% return.

BRTR

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 1.12%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: 5.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TOTR

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 1.02%
• 6M: 0.90%
• 1Y: 4.79%
• 3Y*: 4.58%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BRTR vs. TOTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	1.12%	8.11%	1.29%	0.68%
TOTR T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF	1.02%	7.41%	2.43%	1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BRTR and TOTR 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 14, 2023	0.89

The correlation between BRTR and TOTR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BRTR vs. TOTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRTR

BRTR Risk / Return Rank: 41
BRTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
BRTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
BRTR Omega Ratio Rank: 43
BRTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
BRTR Martin Ratio Rank: 33

TOTR

TOTR Risk / Return Rank: 37
TOTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
TOTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
TOTR Omega Ratio Rank: 33
TOTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
TOTR Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. TOTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) and T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF (TOTR). 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.

	BRTR	TOTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	1.15	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	1.76	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.21	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	1.88	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.50	5.35	-0.86

BRTR vs. TOTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is comparable to the TOTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRTR and TOTR, 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

BRTR vs. TOTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRTR drawdown since its inception was -5.07%, smaller than the maximum TOTR drawdown of -19.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRTR and TOTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRTR	TOTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-19.63%	+14.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-2.56%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.98%	-1.27%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.36%	-8.90%	+7.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.14%	0.90%	+0.24%

Volatility

BRTR vs. TOTR - Volatility Comparison

Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) has a higher volatility of 1.02% compared to T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF (TOTR) at 0.96%. This indicates that BRTR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TOTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRTR	TOTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	0.96%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.86%	2.74%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.65%	4.18%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.67%	6.19%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.67%	6.19%	-1.52%

BRTR vs. TOTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRTR has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than TOTR's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRTR vs. TOTR - Dividend Comparison

BRTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, less than TOTR's 5.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	4.70%	4.86%	5.58%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%
TOTR T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF	5.28%	5.14%	5.32%	4.71%	3.45%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRTR and TOTR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BRTR and TOTR 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 TOTR?

BRTR has higher volatility (1.02%) compared to TOTR (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRTR dropped -5.07% vs TOTR's -19.63%.

Which ETF is better, BRTR or TOTR?

On 1-year performance, BRTR leads with 5.10% vs 4.79% for TOTR. On fees, TOTR is cheaper at 0.31% 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, BRTR or TOTR?

Over the 1-year period, BRTR has performed better with a 5.10% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRTR or TOTR?

TOTR is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for BRTR.

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

TOTR has the higher dividend yield at 5.28%, compared with 4.70% for BRTR.

What is the main difference between BRTR and TOTR?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and T. Rowe Price. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for BRTR and 0.31% for TOTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 1.15), 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.