ESGB vs. IUSB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESGB (IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF) and IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. ESGB is actively managed, while IUSB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ESGB returned 5.42%/yr vs 4.51%/yr for IUSB. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESGB charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IUSB.

Performance

ESGB vs. IUSB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGB achieves a 0.50% return, which is significantly higher than IUSB's 0.43% return.

ESGB

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 5.33%
• 3Y*: 5.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IUSB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 5.54%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 0.44%
• 10Y*: 1.94%

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

ESGB vs. IUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	0.50%	7.76%	4.19%	7.16%	-14.44%	0.38%
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	0.43%	7.38%	2.11%	6.23%	-13.04%	0.01%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGB and IUSB is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2021	0.86

The correlation between ESGB and IUSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGB vs. IUSB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGB	IUSB
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	100.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESGB vs. IUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGB

ESGB Risk / Return Rank: 41
ESGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
ESGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ESGB Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ESGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ESGB Martin Ratio Rank: 40

IUSB

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

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. IUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB). 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	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.54	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.30	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	2.20	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.28	6.68	-0.40
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. IUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGB Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the IUSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGB and IUSB, 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	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.54	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	0.46	-0.31

Drawdowns

ESGB vs. IUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGB drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, which is greater than IUSB's maximum drawdown of -17.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGB and IUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGB	IUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-17.90%	-1.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.60%	-2.53%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.90%	-5.82%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.87%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-17.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-1.33%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.08%	-3.59%	-3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	0.83%	+0.02%

Volatility

ESGB vs. IUSB - Volatility Comparison

IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF (ESGB) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) have volatilities of 1.28% and 1.24%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGB	IUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	1.24%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	2.62%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.74%	3.62%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	5.79%	-0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	5.04%	0.00%

ESGB vs. IUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGB has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGB vs. IUSB - Dividend Comparison

ESGB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.50%, more than IUSB's 4.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESGB IQ MacKay ESG Core Plus Bond ETF	5.50%	5.46%	5.40%	4.82%	3.17%	0.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	4.23%	4.17%	4.04%	3.46%	2.53%	1.74%	2.68%	3.04%	2.98%	2.56%	2.60%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGB and IUSB in my portfolio?

ESGB and IUSB have a correlation of 0.90, 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 IUSB?

ESGB has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to IUSB (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGB dropped -18.96% vs IUSB's -17.90%.

Which ETF is better, ESGB or IUSB?

On 3-year performance, ESGB leads with 5.42% vs 4.51% for IUSB. On fees, IUSB is cheaper at 0.06% 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, ESGB or IUSB?

Over the 3-year period, ESGB has performed better with a 5.42% return vs 4.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGB or IUSB?

IUSB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ESGB.

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

ESGB has the higher dividend yield at 5.50%, compared with 4.23% for IUSB.

What is the main difference between ESGB and IUSB?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ESGB and 0.06% for IUSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.43), 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.