IBTO vs. VCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IBTO (iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF) and VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. IBTO is passively managed, while VCRB is actively managed. Over the past year, IBTO returned 4.04% vs 5.60% for VCRB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IBTO charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCRB.

Performance

IBTO vs. VCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBTO achieves a -0.58% return, which is significantly lower than VCRB's 0.47% return.

IBTO

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: -0.58%
• 6M: -1.02%
• 1Y: 4.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCRB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.34%
• 1Y: 5.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBTO vs. VCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IBTO iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF	-0.58%	8.23%	-0.87%	0.40%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.47%	7.56%	2.21%	0.65%

Correlation

The correlation between IBTO and VCRB is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.96

The correlation between IBTO and VCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IBTO vs. VCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBTO

IBTO Risk / Return Rank: 25
IBTO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
IBTO Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
IBTO Omega Ratio Rank: 24
IBTO Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IBTO Martin Ratio Rank: 25

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

IBTO vs. VCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). 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.

	IBTO	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	1.52	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	2.27	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.27	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	2.13	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.21	6.38	-3.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBTO vs. VCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBTO Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is lower than the VCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBTO and VCRB, 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

	IBTO	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91	1.52	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.93	-0.50

Drawdowns

IBTO vs. VCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBTO drawdown since its inception was -8.36%, which is greater than VCRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBTO and VCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBTO	VCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.36%	-4.59%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.66%	-2.63%	-1.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.63%	-1.40%	-1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-1.16%	-1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.26%	0.88%	+0.38%

Volatility

IBTO vs. VCRB - Volatility Comparison

iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF (IBTO) has a higher volatility of 1.32% compared to Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) at 1.18%. This indicates that IBTO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBTO	VCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	1.18%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.02%	2.60%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.46%	3.69%	+0.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	4.74%	+1.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.61%	4.74%	+1.87%

IBTO vs. VCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBTO has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VCRB's 0.10% 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%.

Dividends

IBTO vs. VCRB - Dividend Comparison

IBTO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, less than VCRB's 4.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBTO iShares iBonds Dec 2033 Term Treasury ETF	4.15%	4.05%	4.23%	1.66%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.60%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBTO and VCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IBTO and VCRB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IBTO or VCRB?

IBTO has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to VCRB (1.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBTO dropped -8.36% vs VCRB's -4.59%.

Which ETF is better, IBTO or VCRB?

On 1-year performance, VCRB leads with 5.60% vs 4.04% for IBTO. On fees, IBTO is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBTO or VCRB?

Over the 1-year period, VCRB has performed better with a 5.60% return vs 4.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBTO or VCRB?

IBTO is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VCRB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBTO or VCRB?

VCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 4.15% for IBTO.

What is the main difference between IBTO and VCRB?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IBTO and 0.10% for VCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 0.91), 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.