IBTF vs. TLT
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Treasury ETF (IBTF) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT).
IBTF and TLT are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. IBTF is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the ICE 2025 Maturity US Treasury Index. It was launched on Feb 25, 2020. TLT is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 20+ Year Treasury Bond Index. It was launched on Jul 26, 2002. Both IBTF and TLT are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: IBTF or TLT.
Key characteristics
| IBTF | TLT | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 0.78% | -7.01% |
| 1Y Return | 2.66% | -8.93% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -1.03% | -10.96% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.43 | -0.61 |
| Daily Std Dev | 1.73% | 16.70% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.45% | -48.35% |
| Current Drawdown | -4.46% | -42.06% |
Correlation
The correlation between IBTF and TLT is 0.62, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
IBTF vs. TLT - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, IBTF achieves a 0.78% return, which is significantly higher than TLT's -7.01% return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
IBTF vs. TLT - Expense Ratio Comparison
IBTF has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than TLT's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
IBTF vs. TLT - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Treasury ETF (IBTF) 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.
Dividends
IBTF vs. TLT - Dividend Comparison
IBTF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.17%, more than TLT's 3.86% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IBTF iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Treasury ETF | 4.17% | 4.03% | 1.93% | 0.57% | 0.59% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF | 3.86% | 3.38% | 2.67% | 1.50% | 1.50% | 2.27% | 2.63% | 2.43% | 2.60% | 2.61% | 2.67% | 3.26% |
Drawdowns
IBTF vs. TLT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IBTF drawdown since its inception was -10.45%, smaller than the maximum TLT drawdown of -48.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBTF and TLT. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
IBTF vs. TLT - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Treasury ETF (IBTF) is 0.31%, while iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) has a volatility of 4.06%. This indicates that IBTF 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.