IBIF vs. FBDC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

IBIF (iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF) and FBDC (FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBIF is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2029 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index, while FBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. IBIF is passively managed, while FBDC is actively managed. Over the past year, IBIF returned 3.41% vs -12.09% for FBDC. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBIF charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for FBDC.

Performance

IBIF vs. FBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBIF achieves a 1.52% return, which is significantly higher than FBDC's -6.46% return.

IBIF

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.15%
• 6M: 1.40%
• YTD: 1.52%
• 1Y: 3.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBDC

• 1D: 1.92%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: -7.11%
• YTD: -6.46%
• 1Y: -12.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBIF vs. FBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	1.52%	2.09%
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-6.46%	-2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between IBIF and FBDC is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2025	0.08

Return for Risk

IBIF vs. FBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBIF

IBIF Risk / Return Rank: 73
IBIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IBIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IBIF Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IBIF Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FBDC

FBDC Risk / Return Rank: 4
FBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

IBIF vs. FBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). 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.

	IBIF	FBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	-0.65	+2.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	-0.84	+3.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.91	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.69	-0.57	+4.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.36	-0.97	+11.32

IBIF vs. FBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBIF Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the FBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBIF and FBDC, 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

IBIF vs. FBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBIF drawdown since its inception was -2.50%, smaller than the maximum FBDC drawdown of -20.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIF and FBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBIF	FBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.50%	-20.60%	+18.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.95%	-20.60%	+19.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-14.45%	+13.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-10.69%	+10.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	12.11%	-11.77%

Volatility

IBIF vs. FBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) is 0.74%, while FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) has a volatility of 4.07%. This indicates that IBIF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBIF	FBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.74%	4.07%	-3.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.46%	14.76%	-13.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07%	17.98%	-15.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	17.87%	-14.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	17.87%	-14.36%

IBIF vs. FBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBIF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than FBDC's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBIF vs. FBDC - Dividend Comparison

IBIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.94%, less than FBDC's 12.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	12.29%	5.41%	0.00%	0.00%
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	4.94%	4.51%	4.05%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBIF and FBDC in my portfolio?

IBIF and FBDC have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBIF or FBDC?

FBDC has higher volatility (4.07%) compared to IBIF (0.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBIF dropped -2.50% vs FBDC's -20.60%.

Which ETF is better, IBIF or FBDC?

On 1-year performance, IBIF leads with 3.41% vs -12.09% for FBDC. On fees, IBIF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, IBIF has been the lower-risk option at 0.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBIF or FBDC?

Over the 1-year period, IBIF has performed better with a 3.41% return vs -12.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBIF or FBDC?

IBIF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 1.35% for FBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBIF or FBDC?

FBDC has the higher dividend yield at 12.29%, compared with 4.94% for IBIF.

What is the main difference between IBIF and FBDC?

IBIF is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while FBDC is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IBIF and 1.35% for FBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBIF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs -0.65), 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.