ESGB vs. IQRA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ESGB (IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF) and IQRA (IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by IndexIQ, while IQRA is a REIT fund actively managed by IndexIQ. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ESGB returned 5.59%/yr vs 10.36%/yr for IQRA. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESGB charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for IQRA.

Performance

ESGB vs. IQRA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF (IQRA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGB achieves a 0.74% return, which is significantly lower than IQRA's 6.85% return.

ESGB

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.74%
• 6M: 0.94%
• 1Y: 5.08%
• 3Y*: 5.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IQRA

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 6.85%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: 12.53%
• 3Y*: 10.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESGB vs. IQRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	0.74%	7.76%	4.19%	3.21%
IQRA IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF	6.85%	12.42%	5.58%	2.36%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGB and IQRA is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2023	0.45

ESGB vs. IQRA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGB	IQRA
Financial Services	0.2%	2.2%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	6.5%
Industrials	-	12.6%
Real Estate	-	51.8%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	28.7%

Return for Risk

ESGB vs. IQRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGB

ESGB Risk / Return Rank: 39
ESGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ESGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ESGB Omega Ratio Rank: 38
ESGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
ESGB Martin Ratio Rank: 38

IQRA

IQRA Risk / Return Rank: 33
IQRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
IQRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
IQRA Omega Ratio Rank: 32
IQRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
IQRA Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

ESGB vs. IQRA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF (IQRA). 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.

	ESGB	IQRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.19	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	1.66	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.21	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	1.57	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.97	5.43	+0.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESGB vs. IQRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGB Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the IQRA Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGB and IQRA, 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

	ESGB	IQRA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.19	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.69	-0.53

Drawdowns

ESGB vs. IQRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGB drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, which is greater than IQRA's maximum drawdown of -15.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGB and IQRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGB	IQRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-15.70%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.60%	-8.01%	+5.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.90%	-15.70%	+9.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-4.24%	+3.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.07%	-3.15%	-3.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	2.31%	-1.46%

Volatility

ESGB vs. IQRA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) is 1.26%, while IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF (IQRA) has a volatility of 3.51%. This indicates that ESGB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGB	IQRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.26%	3.51%	-2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	8.24%	-5.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.74%	10.55%	-6.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	12.86%	-7.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	12.86%	-7.82%

ESGB vs. IQRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGB has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than IQRA's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGB vs. IQRA - Dividend Comparison

ESGB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.49%, more than IQRA's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	5.49%	5.46%	5.40%	4.82%	3.17%	0.95%
IQRA IQ CBRE Real Assets ETF	2.79%	2.83%	3.53%	2.14%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGB and IQRA in my portfolio?

ESGB and IQRA have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGB or IQRA?

IQRA has higher volatility (3.51%) compared to ESGB (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGB dropped -18.96% vs IQRA's -15.70%.

Which ETF is better, ESGB or IQRA?

On 3-year performance, IQRA leads with 10.36% vs 5.59% for ESGB. On fees, ESGB is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, ESGB has been the lower-risk option at 1.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGB or IQRA?

Over the 3-year period, IQRA has performed better with a 10.36% return vs 5.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGB or IQRA?

ESGB is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for IQRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGB or IQRA?

ESGB has the higher dividend yield at 5.49%, compared with 2.79% for IQRA.

What is the main difference between ESGB and IQRA?

ESGB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while IQRA is REIT. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ESGB and 0.65% for IQRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.19), 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.