IBTH vs. MGOV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IBTH (iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF) and MGOV (First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. IBTH is passively managed, while MGOV is actively managed. Over the past year, IBTH returned 3.81% vs 6.85% for MGOV. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IBTH charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for MGOV.

Performance

IBTH vs. MGOV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF (IBTH) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBTH achieves a 0.94% return, which is significantly higher than MGOV's 0.39% return.

IBTH

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: 3.81%
• 3Y*: 3.93%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

MGOV

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: 6.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBTH vs. MGOV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IBTH iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF	0.94%	5.29%	3.22%	3.43%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	0.39%	8.54%	1.55%	4.56%

Correlation

The correlation between IBTH and MGOV is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2023	0.74

The correlation between IBTH and MGOV shifts across timeframes, from 0.57 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IBTH vs. MGOV — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBTH

IBTH Risk / Return Rank: 96
IBTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
IBTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
IBTH Omega Ratio Rank: 97
IBTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
IBTH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

MGOV

MGOV Risk / Return Rank: 39
MGOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
MGOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MGOV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
MGOV Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

IBTH vs. MGOV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF (IBTH) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV). 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.

	IBTH	MGOV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.44	1.48	+1.95
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	6.25	2.21	+4.05
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.88	1.26	+0.61
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.82	1.84	+7.98
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	38.04	5.68	+32.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBTH vs. MGOV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBTH Sharpe Ratio is 3.44, which is higher than the MGOV Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBTH and MGOV, 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

	IBTH	MGOV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.44	1.48	+1.95
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	0.89	-0.74

Drawdowns

IBTH vs. MGOV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBTH drawdown since its inception was -16.16%, which is greater than MGOV's maximum drawdown of -6.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBTH and MGOV.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBTH	MGOV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-6.11%	-10.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.38%	-3.53%	+3.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.10%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-2.18%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.72%	-1.62%	-5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.10%	1.14%	-1.04%

Volatility

IBTH vs. MGOV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF (IBTH) is 0.19%, while First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) has a volatility of 1.72%. This indicates that IBTH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGOV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBTH	MGOV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.19%	1.72%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.54%	3.24%	-2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12%	4.65%	-3.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.20%	5.95%	-1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.21%	5.95%	-1.74%

IBTH vs. MGOV - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBTH has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than MGOV's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBTH vs. MGOV - Dividend Comparison

IBTH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.83%, less than MGOV's 4.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IBTH iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Treasury ETF	3.83%	3.92%	4.04%	3.61%	2.00%	0.77%	0.50%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	4.97%	4.95%	5.05%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBTH and MGOV in my portfolio?

IBTH and MGOV have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBTH or MGOV?

MGOV has higher volatility (1.72%) compared to IBTH (0.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBTH dropped -16.16% vs MGOV's -6.11%.

Which ETF is better, IBTH or MGOV?

On 1-year performance, MGOV leads with 6.85% vs 3.81% for IBTH. On fees, IBTH is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IBTH has been the lower-risk option at 0.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBTH or MGOV?

Over the 1-year period, MGOV has performed better with a 6.85% return vs 3.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBTH or MGOV?

IBTH is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for MGOV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBTH or MGOV?

MGOV has the higher dividend yield at 4.97%, compared with 3.83% for IBTH.

What is the main difference between IBTH and MGOV?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IBTH and 0.65% for MGOV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBTH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.44 vs 1.48), 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.