IBHG vs. FTSL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IBHG (iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF) and FTSL (First Trust Senior Loan Fund) are both High Yield Bonds funds. IBHG is passively managed, while FTSL is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBHG returned 7.63%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for FTSL. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBHG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for FTSL.

Performance

IBHG vs. FTSL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHG) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBHG achieves a 1.17% return, which is significantly higher than FTSL's 0.66% return.

IBHG

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 1.17%
• 6M: 1.43%
• 1Y: 4.55%
• 3Y*: 7.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTSL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.21%
• 3Y*: 7.15%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 4.45%

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

IBHG vs. FTSL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IBHG iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF	1.17%	6.90%	7.42%	11.27%	-8.88%	0.93%
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	0.66%	5.98%	8.27%	11.58%	-2.50%	1.57%

Correlation

The correlation between IBHG and FTSL is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2021	0.49

Return for Risk

IBHG vs. FTSL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBHG

IBHG Risk / Return Rank: 82
IBHG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IBHG Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IBHG Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IBHG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
IBHG Martin Ratio Rank: 93

FTSL

FTSL Risk / Return Rank: 59
FTSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FTSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTSL Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FTSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
FTSL Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

IBHG vs. FTSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHG) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL). 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.

	IBHG	FTSL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.99	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	3.11	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.46	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.29	1.81	+4.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.89	6.74	+16.15

IBHG vs. FTSL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBHG Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the FTSL Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBHG and FTSL, 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

IBHG vs. FTSL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBHG drawdown since its inception was -13.85%, smaller than the maximum FTSL drawdown of -22.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBHG and FTSL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBHG	FTSL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.85%	-22.67%	+8.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.73%	-2.33%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.39%	-2.66%	-0.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-6.96%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.02%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-0.76%	-1.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	0.63%	-0.43%

Volatility

IBHG vs. FTSL - Volatility Comparison

iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHG) has a higher volatility of 0.44% compared to First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) at 0.33%. This indicates that IBHG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTSL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBHG	FTSL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	0.33%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.52%	1.96%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09%	2.12%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.33%	3.35%	+2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.33%	5.19%	+1.14%

IBHG vs. FTSL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBHG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTSL's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBHG vs. FTSL - Dividend Comparison

IBHG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.07%, less than FTSL's 6.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	6.46%	6.59%	7.56%	7.59%	4.77%	3.17%	3.48%	4.44%	4.29%	3.64%	3.70%	3.95%
IBHG iShares iBonds 2027 Term High Yield and Income ETF	6.07%	6.33%	7.02%	6.66%	5.62%	2.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBHG and FTSL in my portfolio?

IBHG and FTSL have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBHG or FTSL?

IBHG has higher volatility (0.44%) compared to FTSL (0.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBHG dropped -13.85% vs FTSL's -22.67%.

Which ETF is better, IBHG or FTSL?

On 3-year performance, IBHG leads with 7.63% vs 7.15% for FTSL. On fees, IBHG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FTSL has been the lower-risk option at 0.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBHG or FTSL?

Over the 3-year period, IBHG has performed better with a 7.63% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBHG or FTSL?

IBHG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for FTSL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBHG or FTSL?

FTSL has the higher dividend yield at 6.46%, compared with 6.07% for IBHG.

What is the main difference between IBHG and FTSL?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for IBHG and 0.86% for FTSL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBHG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.99), 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.