ESGB vs. IQSM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ESGB (IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF) and IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by IndexIQ, while IQSM is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net. ESGB is actively managed, while IQSM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ESGB returned 5.53%/yr vs 13.80%/yr for IQSM. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESGB charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for IQSM.

Performance

ESGB vs. IQSM - 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 Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGB achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than IQSM's 11.65% return.

ESGB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 5.72%
• 3Y*: 5.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IQSM

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 11.65%
• 6M: 12.78%
• 1Y: 24.02%
• 3Y*: 13.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESGB vs. IQSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	0.81%	7.76%	4.19%	7.16%	3.38%
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	11.65%	7.97%	9.15%	15.82%	2.29%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGB and IQSM is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2022	0.24

The correlation between ESGB and IQSM shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESGB vs. IQSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGB	IQSM
Financial Services	0.2%	12.4%
Healthcare	0.0%	14.2%
Basic Materials	-	4.1%
Communication Services	-	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.6%
Energy	-	2.6%
Industrials	-	23.1%
Real Estate	-	10.0%
Technology	-	15.5%
Utilities	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

ESGB vs. IQSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGB

ESGB Risk / Return Rank: 43
ESGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ESGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
ESGB Omega Ratio Rank: 43
ESGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
ESGB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

IQSM

IQSM Risk / Return Rank: 49
IQSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
IQSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IQSM Omega Ratio Rank: 43
IQSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
IQSM Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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. IQSM - 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 Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM). 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	IQSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.61	-0.07
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.34	-0.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.28	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	2.67	-0.50
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.64	9.76	-3.12
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. IQSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGB Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the IQSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGB and IQSM, 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	IQSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	1.61	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.74	-0.57

Drawdowns

ESGB vs. IQSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGB drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, smaller than the maximum IQSM drawdown of -23.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGB and IQSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGB	IQSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-23.66%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.60%	-8.86%	+6.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.90%	-23.66%	+17.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	0.00%	-1.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.08%	-4.87%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	2.42%	-1.57%

Volatility

ESGB vs. IQSM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) is 1.32%, while IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) has a volatility of 4.03%. This indicates that ESGB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGB	IQSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	4.03%	-2.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	11.01%	-8.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.73%	14.98%	-11.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	17.90%	-12.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	17.90%	-12.86%

ESGB vs. IQSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGB has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IQSM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGB vs. IQSM - Dividend Comparison

ESGB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.49%, more than IQSM's 1.06% 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%
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.06%	1.18%	1.22%	1.11%	0.32%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGB and IQSM in my portfolio?

ESGB and IQSM have a correlation of 0.39, 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 IQSM?

IQSM has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to ESGB (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGB dropped -18.96% vs IQSM's -23.66%.

Which ETF is better, ESGB or IQSM?

On 3-year performance, IQSM leads with 13.80% vs 5.53% for ESGB. On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, ESGB has been the lower-risk option at 1.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGB or IQSM?

Over the 3-year period, IQSM has performed better with a 13.80% return vs 5.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGB or IQSM?

IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ESGB.

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

ESGB has the higher dividend yield at 5.49%, compared with 1.06% for IQSM.

What is the main difference between ESGB and IQSM?

ESGB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while IQSM is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ESGB and 0.15% for IQSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.54), 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.