IBHI vs. TLT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IBHI (iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF) and TLT (iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBHI is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg 2029 Term High Yield and Income Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while TLT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury 20+ Year Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBHI returned 9.05%/yr vs -1.49%/yr for TLT. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBHI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for TLT.

Performance

IBHI vs. TLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHI) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBHI achieves a 1.56% return, which is significantly lower than TLT's 2.11% return.

IBHI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 1.56%
• 6M: 1.60%
• 1Y: 5.95%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TLT

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 2.11%
• 6M: 1.10%
• 1Y: 4.37%
• 3Y*: -1.49%
• 5Y*: -6.15%
• 10Y*: -1.85%

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

IBHI vs. TLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBHI iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF	1.56%	7.88%	8.33%	14.21%	-8.52%
TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF	2.11%	4.25%	-8.05%	2.77%	-25.50%

Correlation

The correlation between IBHI and TLT is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2022	0.42

Return for Risk

IBHI vs. TLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBHI

IBHI Risk / Return Rank: 61
IBHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IBHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IBHI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IBHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
IBHI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

TLT

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

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.

IBHI vs. TLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHI) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT). 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.

	IBHI	TLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	0.46	+1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	0.74	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.08	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	0.58	+2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.36	1.37	+10.99

IBHI vs. TLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBHI Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is higher than the TLT Sharpe Ratio of 0.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBHI and TLT, 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

IBHI vs. TLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBHI drawdown since its inception was -13.65%, smaller than the maximum TLT drawdown of -48.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBHI and TLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBHI	TLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-48.35%	+34.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.11%	-7.58%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.73%	-19.18%	+13.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.70%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-39.01%	+38.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.81%	-13.88%	+11.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	3.19%	-2.71%

Volatility

IBHI vs. TLT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHI) is 0.71%, while iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) has a volatility of 2.48%. This indicates that IBHI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBHI	TLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	2.48%	-1.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.79%	6.74%	-3.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78%	9.54%	-5.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.93%	15.82%	-7.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.93%	14.88%	-6.95%

IBHI vs. TLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBHI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than TLT's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBHI vs. TLT - Dividend Comparison

IBHI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.69%, more than TLT's 4.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBHI iShares iBonds 2029 Term High Yield and Income ETF	6.69%	6.79%	6.66%	6.48%	5.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF	4.48%	4.43%	4.30%	3.38%	2.67%	1.50%	1.50%	2.27%	2.63%	2.43%	2.60%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBHI and TLT in my portfolio?

IBHI and TLT have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBHI or TLT?

TLT has higher volatility (2.48%) compared to IBHI (0.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBHI dropped -13.65% vs TLT's -48.35%.

Which ETF is better, IBHI or TLT?

On 3-year performance, IBHI leads with 9.05% vs -1.49% for TLT. On fees, TLT is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IBHI has been the lower-risk option at 0.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBHI or TLT?

Over the 3-year period, IBHI has performed better with a 9.05% return vs -1.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBHI or TLT?

TLT is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for IBHI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBHI or TLT?

IBHI has the higher dividend yield at 6.69%, compared with 4.48% for TLT.

What is the main difference between IBHI and TLT?

IBHI is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while TLT is Government Bonds. IBHI tracks Bloomberg 2029 Term High Yield and Income Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while TLT tracks ICE U.S. Treasury 20+ Year Bond Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for IBHI and 0.15% for TLT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 0.46), 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.