IBHF vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IBHF (iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. IBHF is actively managed, while MILK is passively managed. Over the past year, IBHF returned 4.76% vs 9.23% for MILK. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBHF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

IBHF vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHF) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBHF achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly lower than MILK's 2.18% return.

IBHF

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.86%
• 1Y: 4.76%
• 3Y*: 7.23%
• 5Y*: 4.05%
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 2.18%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 9.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBHF vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IBHF iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF	0.41%	6.60%	0.74%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.18%	7.49%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between IBHF and MILK is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.42

Return for Risk

IBHF vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBHF

IBHF Risk / Return Rank: 86
IBHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IBHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
IBHF Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IBHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
IBHF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

MILK

MILK Risk / Return Rank: 52
MILK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MILK Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
MILK Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MILK Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
MILK Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

IBHF vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHF) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). 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.

	IBHF	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	1.78	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.14	2.59	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.32	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.48	2.47	+5.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.36	8.90	+14.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBHF vs. MILK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBHF Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is higher than the MILK Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBHF and MILK, 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

	IBHF	MILK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.36	1.78	+0.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.97	-0.14

Drawdowns

IBHF vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBHF drawdown since its inception was -11.19%, which is greater than MILK's maximum drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBHF and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBHF	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.19%	-6.16%	-5.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.64%	-3.75%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.24%	-0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.80%	-1.09%	-0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	1.04%	-0.84%

Volatility

IBHF vs. MILK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHF) is 0.76%, while Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) has a volatility of 1.58%. This indicates that IBHF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MILK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBHF	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.76%	1.58%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.22%	3.78%	-2.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03%	5.21%	-3.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.80%	6.69%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.66%	6.69%	-1.03%

IBHF vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBHF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MILK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBHF vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

IBHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.54%, less than MILK's 7.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IBHF iShares iBonds 2026 Term High Yield and Income ETF	6.54%	6.73%	7.17%	7.33%	6.01%	4.55%	0.61%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.04%	6.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBHF and MILK in my portfolio?

IBHF and MILK have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBHF or MILK?

MILK has higher volatility (1.58%) compared to IBHF (0.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBHF dropped -11.19% vs MILK's -6.16%.

Which ETF is better, IBHF or MILK?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 9.23% vs 4.76% for IBHF. On fees, IBHF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IBHF has been the lower-risk option at 0.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBHF or MILK?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 9.23% return vs 4.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBHF or MILK?

IBHF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MILK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBHF or MILK?

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.04%, compared with 6.54% for IBHF.

What is the main difference between IBHF and MILK?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for IBHF and 0.49% for MILK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.78), 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.