IUSB vs. CGCB
IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) and CGCB (Capital Group Core Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IUSB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Universal Index, while CGCB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Capital Group. IUSB is passively managed, while CGCB is actively managed. Over the past year, IUSB returned 4.68% vs 4.33% for CGCB. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IUSB charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for CGCB.
Performance
IUSB vs. CGCB - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IUSB achieves a 0.67% return, which is significantly higher than CGCB's 0.39% return.
IUSB
- 1D
- 0.13%
- 1M
- 0.70%
- YTD
- 0.67%
- 6M
- 0.76%
- 1Y
- 4.68%
- 3Y*
- 4.52%
- 5Y*
- 0.42%
- 10Y*
- 1.90%
CGCB
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- 0.75%
- YTD
- 0.39%
- 6M
- 0.57%
- 1Y
- 4.33%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IUSB vs. CGCB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF | 0.67% | 7.38% | 2.11% | 6.97% |
CGCB Capital Group Core Bond ETF | 0.39% | 7.29% | 1.44% | 7.25% |
Correlation
The correlation between IUSB and CGCB 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 Sep 28, 2023 | 0.94 |
The correlation between IUSB and CGCB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IUSB vs. CGCB — Risk / Return Rank
IUSB
CGCB
IUSB vs. CGCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) and Capital Group Core Bond ETF (CGCB). 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 | CGCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.20 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.31 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.19 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.86 | 1.46 | +0.40 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.36 | 4.12 | +1.24 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IUSB vs. CGCB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IUSB drawdown since its inception was -17.90%, which is greater than CGCB's maximum drawdown of -5.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IUSB and CGCB.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IUSB | CGCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.90% | -5.17% | -12.73% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.53% | -2.98% | +0.45% |
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 | -1.09% | -1.49% | +0.40% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.58% | -1.35% | -2.23% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.88% | 1.05% | -0.17% |
Volatility
IUSB vs. CGCB - Volatility Comparison
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) and Capital Group Core Bond ETF (CGCB) have volatilities of 1.08% and 1.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IUSB | CGCB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.08% | 1.08% | 0.00% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.72% | 2.87% | -0.15% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.58% | 3.92% | -0.34% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.80% | 5.37% | +0.43% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.04% | 5.37% | -0.33% |
IUSB vs. CGCB - Expense Ratio Comparison
IUSB has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than CGCB's 0.27% 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
IUSB vs. CGCB - Dividend Comparison
IUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, which matches CGCB's 4.21% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CGCB Capital Group Core Bond ETF | 4.21% | 4.22% | 3.99% | 0.95% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF | 4.22% | 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 0.96, IUSB and CGCB 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.
CGCB has higher volatility (1.08%) compared to IUSB (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IUSB dropped -17.90% vs CGCB's -5.17%.
On 1-year performance, IUSB leads with 4.68% vs 4.33% for CGCB. 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, IUSB has performed better with a 4.68% return vs 4.33%. 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 0.27% for CGCB.
IUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 4.21% for CGCB.
IUSB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while CGCB is Intermediate Core Bond. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Capital Group. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IUSB and 0.27% for CGCB.
IUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 1.11), 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.
Find the right allocation for IUSB and CGCB
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer