IUSB vs. BRTR
IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) and BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. IUSB is passively managed, while BRTR is actively managed. Over the past year, IUSB returned 4.75% vs 5.25% for BRTR. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IUSB charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for BRTR.
Performance
IUSB vs. BRTR - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with IUSB at 1.06% and BRTR at 1.06%.
IUSB
- 1D
- 0.39%
- 1M
- 1.09%
- YTD
- 1.06%
- 6M
- 0.89%
- 1Y
- 4.75%
- 3Y*
- 4.65%
- 5Y*
- 0.52%
- 10Y*
- 1.94%
BRTR
- 1D
- 0.43%
- 1M
- 1.19%
- YTD
- 1.06%
- 6M
- 0.89%
- 1Y
- 5.25%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IUSB vs. BRTR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF | 1.06% | 7.38% | 2.11% | 1.22% |
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF | 1.06% | 8.11% | 1.29% | 0.68% |
Correlation
The correlation between IUSB and BRTR is 0.95 - 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 | 0.95 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2023 | 0.96 |
The correlation between IUSB and BRTR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
IUSB vs. BRTR — Risk / Return Rank
IUSB
BRTR
IUSB vs. BRTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) and Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR). 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.
| IUSB | BRTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.11 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.12 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.26 | -0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.89 | 1.62 | +0.27 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.43 | 4.63 | +0.80 |
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Drawdowns
IUSB vs. BRTR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IUSB drawdown since its inception was -17.90%, which is greater than BRTR's maximum drawdown of -5.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IUSB and BRTR.
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Drawdown Indicators
| IUSB | BRTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.90% | -5.07% | -12.83% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.53% | -3.26% | +0.73% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -5.82% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.87% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.90% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.70% | -1.04% | +0.34% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.58% | -1.36% | -2.22% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.88% | 1.14% | -0.26% |
Volatility
IUSB vs. BRTR - Volatility Comparison
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) has a higher volatility of 1.13% compared to Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR) at 1.05%. This indicates that IUSB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BRTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| IUSB | BRTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.13% | 1.05% | +0.08% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.74% | 2.86% | -0.12% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.60% | 3.66% | -0.06% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.80% | 4.68% | +1.12% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.04% | 4.68% | +0.36% |
IUSB vs. BRTR - Expense Ratio Comparison
IUSB has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than BRTR's 0.38% expense ratio.
Dividends
IUSB vs. BRTR - Dividend Comparison
IUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.21%, less than BRTR's 4.70% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF | 4.70% | 4.86% | 5.58% | 0.22% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF | 4.21% | 4.17% | 4.04% | 3.46% | 2.53% | 1.74% | 2.68% | 3.04% | 2.98% | 2.56% | 2.60% | 1.95% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, IUSB and BRTR 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.
IUSB has higher volatility (1.13%) compared to BRTR (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IUSB dropped -17.90% vs BRTR's -5.07%.
On 1-year performance, BRTR leads with 5.25% vs 4.75% for IUSB. On fees, IUSB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, BRTR has performed better with a 5.25% return vs 4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IUSB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for BRTR.
BRTR has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 4.21% for IUSB.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and BlackRock. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IUSB and 0.38% for BRTR.
BRTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.33), 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.
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