IBCA vs. CAFX
IBCA (iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Corporate ETF) and CAFX (Congress Intermediate Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. IBCA is passively managed, while CAFX is actively managed. Over the past year, IBCA returned 6.55% vs 3.95% for CAFX. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IBCA charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for CAFX.
Performance
IBCA vs. CAFX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IBCA achieves a 0.20% return, which is significantly lower than CAFX's 0.28% return.
IBCA
- 1D
- -0.27%
- 1M
- 0.37%
- YTD
- 0.20%
- 6M
- 0.04%
- 1Y
- 6.55%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CAFX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- 0.22%
- YTD
- 0.28%
- 6M
- 0.37%
- 1Y
- 3.95%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IBCA vs. CAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
IBCA iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Corporate ETF | 0.20% | 7.15% |
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF | 0.28% | 4.48% |
Correlation
The correlation between IBCA and CAFX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.79 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025 | 0.77 |
The correlation between IBCA and CAFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - 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
IBCA vs. CAFX — Risk / Return Rank
IBCA
CAFX
IBCA vs. CAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Corporate ETF (IBCA) and Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX). 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.
| IBCA | CAFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.05 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.15 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.26 | -0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.07 | 2.22 | -0.15 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.57 | 6.46 | +0.10 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| IBCA | CAFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.33 | 1.37 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.08 | 0.91 | +0.16 |
Drawdowns
IBCA vs. CAFX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IBCA drawdown since its inception was -3.48%, which is greater than CAFX's maximum drawdown of -2.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBCA and CAFX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IBCA | CAFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -3.48% | -2.63% | -0.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.19% | -1.79% | -1.40% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.42% | -0.92% | -0.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.81% | -0.73% | -0.08% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.00% | 0.61% | +0.39% |
Volatility
IBCA vs. CAFX - Volatility Comparison
iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Corporate ETF (IBCA) has a higher volatility of 1.62% compared to Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) at 0.75%. This indicates that IBCA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IBCA | CAFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.62% | 0.75% | +0.87% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.62% | 1.84% | +1.78% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.96% | 2.89% | +2.07% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.76% | 3.16% | +2.60% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.76% | 3.16% | +2.60% |
IBCA vs. CAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison
IBCA has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than CAFX's 0.35% expense ratio.
Dividends
IBCA vs. CAFX - Dividend Comparison
IBCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.67%, more than CAFX's 4.01% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF | 4.01% | 3.92% | 0.96% |
IBCA iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Corporate ETF | 4.67% | 3.19% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IBCA and CAFX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IBCA has higher volatility (1.62%) compared to CAFX (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBCA dropped -3.48% vs CAFX's -2.63%.
On 1-year performance, IBCA leads with 6.55% vs 3.95% for CAFX. On fees, IBCA is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, CAFX 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, IBCA has performed better with a 6.55% return vs 3.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IBCA is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CAFX.
IBCA has the higher dividend yield at 4.67%, compared with 4.01% for CAFX.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and Congress. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IBCA and 0.35% for CAFX.
CAFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.33), 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 IBCA and CAFX
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