FCBD vs. GBF
FCBD (Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF) and GBF (iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. FCBD is actively managed, while GBF is passively managed. Over the past year, FCBD returned 3.77% vs 3.72% for GBF. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FCBD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GBF.
Performance
FCBD vs. GBF - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FCBD achieves a 0.52% return, which is significantly higher than GBF's 0.45% return.
FCBD
- 1D
- 0.12%
- 1M
- 0.48%
- YTD
- 0.52%
- 6M
- 0.67%
- 1Y
- 3.77%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
GBF
- 1D
- 0.16%
- 1M
- 0.68%
- YTD
- 0.45%
- 6M
- 0.37%
- 1Y
- 3.72%
- 3Y*
- 3.62%
- 5Y*
- -0.27%
- 10Y*
- 1.41%
FCBD vs. GBF - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF | 0.52% | 6.29% | -0.02% |
GBF iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF | 0.45% | 6.41% | 0.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between FCBD and GBF 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 20, 2024 | 0.91 |
The correlation between FCBD and GBF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FCBD vs. GBF — Risk / Return Rank
FCBD
GBF
FCBD vs. GBF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) and iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (GBF). 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.
| FCBD | GBF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.61 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.90 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.17 | +0.12 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.30 | 1.37 | +0.93 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.66 | 3.81 | +2.85 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FCBD vs. GBF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FCBD drawdown since its inception was -1.64%, smaller than the maximum GBF drawdown of -19.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCBD and GBF.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FCBD | GBF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -1.64% | -19.67% | +18.03% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.64% | -2.73% | +1.09% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -5.78% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -18.45% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -19.67% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.69% | -4.62% | +3.93% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.37% | -3.68% | +3.31% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.57% | 0.98% | -0.41% |
Volatility
FCBD vs. GBF - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) is 0.75%, while iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (GBF) has a volatility of 1.07%. This indicates that FCBD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GBF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FCBD | GBF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.75% | 1.07% | -0.32% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.79% | 2.73% | -0.94% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.34% | 3.71% | -1.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.60% | 5.93% | -3.33% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.60% | 5.28% | -2.68% |
FCBD vs. GBF - Expense Ratio Comparison
FCBD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than GBF's 0.20% expense ratio.
Dividends
FCBD vs. GBF - Dividend Comparison
FCBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than GBF's 3.78% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF | 4.22% | 4.34% | 0.08% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
GBF iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF | 3.78% | 3.81% | 3.94% | 3.03% | 2.13% | 1.22% | 1.64% | 2.64% | 2.59% | 2.31% | 2.09% | 2.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.91, FCBD and GBF 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.
GBF has higher volatility (1.07%) compared to FCBD (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCBD dropped -1.64% vs GBF's -19.67%.
On 1-year performance, FCBD leads with 3.77% vs 3.72% for GBF. On fees, GBF is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, FCBD has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, FCBD has performed better with a 3.77% return vs 3.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GBF is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FCBD.
FCBD has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 3.78% for GBF.
They also come from different issuers: Frontier and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FCBD and 0.20% for GBF.
FCBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.01), 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.
Find the right allocation for FCBD and GBF
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer