FTCB vs. IBTO
FTCB (First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF) and IBTO (iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. FTCB is actively managed, while IBTO is passively managed. Over the past year, FTCB returned 2.58% vs 0.84% for IBTO. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FTCB charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IBTO.
Performance
FTCB vs. IBTO - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FTCB achieves a -0.60% return, which is significantly higher than IBTO's -1.17% return.
FTCB
- 1D
- -0.34%
- 1M
- -1.25%
- 6M
- -0.79%
- YTD
- -0.60%
- 1Y
- 2.58%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 5.76%
IBTO
- 1D
- -0.27%
- 1M
- -1.06%
- 6M
- -0.99%
- YTD
- -1.17%
- 1Y
- 0.84%
- 3Y*
- 2.95%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 2.48%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $14.44M | $17.52M | $13.98M | |
| $4.47M | $2.89M | $2.06M |
FTCB vs. IBTO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FTCB First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF | -0.60% | 8.12% | 2.57% | 5.69% |
IBTO iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF | -1.17% | 8.23% | -0.87% | 6.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between FTCB and IBTO is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.91 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2023 | 0.92 |
The correlation between FTCB and IBTO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
FTCB vs. IBTO — Risk / Return Rank
FTCB
IBTO
FTCB vs. IBTO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) and iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO). 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.
| FTCB | IBTO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.35 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.47 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.14 | 1.08 | +0.06 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.09 | 0.55 | +0.54 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.83 | 1.25 | +1.57 |
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Drawdowns
FTCB vs. IBTO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FTCB drawdown since its inception was -4.99%, smaller than the maximum IBTO drawdown of -8.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCB and IBTO.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FTCB | IBTO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -4.99% | -8.36% | +3.37% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.04% | -3.66% | +0.62% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -6.91% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.48% | -3.22% | +0.74% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.28% | -2.37% | +1.09% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.17% | 1.61% | -0.44% |
Volatility
FTCB vs. IBTO - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) has a higher volatility of 1.31% compared to iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO) at 1.04%. This indicates that FTCB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBTO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| FTCB | IBTO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.31% | 1.04% | +0.27% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.23% | 3.28% | -0.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.08% | 4.31% | -0.23% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.16% | 6.51% | -1.35% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.16% | 6.51% | -1.35% |
FTCB vs. IBTO - Expense Ratio Comparison
FTCB has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than IBTO's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
FTCB vs. IBTO - Dividend Comparison
FTCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.45%, more than IBTO's 4.18% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FTCB First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF | 5.45% | 4.99% | 5.19% | 0.35% |
IBTO iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF | 3.83% | 4.05% | 4.23% | 1.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.91, FTCB and IBTO 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.
FTCB has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to IBTO (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCB dropped -4.99% vs IBTO's -8.36%.
On 1-year performance, FTCB leads with 2.58% vs 0.84% for IBTO. On fees, IBTO is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IBTO has been the lower-risk option at 1.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, FTCB has performed better with a 2.58% return vs 0.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IBTO is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FTCB.
FTCB has the higher dividend yield at 5.45%, compared with 3.83% for IBTO.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FTCB and 0.07% for IBTO.
FTCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.82 vs 0.47), 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.
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