IBGA vs. VTG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IBGA (iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBGA is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the ICE 2044 Maturity US Treasury Index, while VTG is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBGA returned 3.10% vs 2.81% for VTG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IBGA charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

IBGA vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF (IBGA) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBGA achieves a -1.28% return, which is significantly lower than VTG's -0.43% return.

IBGA

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -1.30%
• 6M: -1.83%
• YTD: -1.28%
• 1Y: 3.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -0.53%
• 6M: -0.49%
• YTD: -0.43%
• 1Y: 2.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBGA vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IBGA iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF	-1.28%	4.24%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.43%	3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between IBGA and VTG is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.96

The correlation between IBGA and VTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IBGA vs. VTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBGA

IBGA Risk / Return Rank: 15
IBGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
IBGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
IBGA Omega Ratio Rank: 14
IBGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
IBGA Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 26
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

IBGA vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF (IBGA) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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.

	IBGA	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.39	0.80	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	1.20	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.14	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.47	0.98	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.18	2.56	-1.38

IBGA vs. VTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBGA Sharpe Ratio is 0.39, which is lower than the VTG Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBGA and VTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IBGA vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBGA drawdown since its inception was -11.69%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBGA and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBGA	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.69%	-2.89%	-8.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.60%	-2.89%	-3.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.53%	-2.21%	-3.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.00%	-0.83%	-4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	1.10%	+1.52%

Volatility

IBGA vs. VTG - Volatility Comparison

iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF (IBGA) has a higher volatility of 2.47% compared to Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) at 1.13%. This indicates that IBGA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBGA	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.47%	1.13%	+1.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.98%	2.64%	+3.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.93%	3.53%	+4.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.79%	3.53%	+6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.79%	3.53%	+6.26%

IBGA vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBGA has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IBGA vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

IBGA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, more than VTG's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IBGA iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF	4.72%	4.49%	2.03%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.55%	1.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBGA and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IBGA and VTG 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.

Which is riskier, IBGA or VTG?

IBGA has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to VTG (1.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBGA dropped -11.69% vs VTG's -2.89%.

Which ETF is better, IBGA or VTG?

On 1-year performance, IBGA leads with 3.10% vs 2.81% for VTG. On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTG has been the lower-risk option at 1.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBGA or VTG?

Over the 1-year period, IBGA has performed better with a 3.10% return vs 2.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBGA or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IBGA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBGA or VTG?

IBGA has the higher dividend yield at 4.72%, compared with 3.55% for VTG.

What is the main difference between IBGA and VTG?

IBGA is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VTG is Government Bonds. IBGA tracks ICE 2044 Maturity US Treasury Index, while VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IBGA and 0.03% for VTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.39), 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.