LSBDX vs. IUSB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

LSBDX (Loomis Sayles Bond Fund) and IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) are both funds - LSBDX is a Multisector Bonds fund managed by Loomis Sayles Funds, while IUSB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Universal Index. Over the past 10 years, LSBDX returned 3.34%/yr vs 1.96%/yr for IUSB. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LSBDX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IUSB.

Performance

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Loomis Sayles Bond Fund (LSBDX) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LSBDX achieves a -0.19% return, which is significantly lower than IUSB's 0.60% return. Over the past 10 years, LSBDX has outperformed IUSB with an annualized return of 3.34%, while IUSB has yielded a comparatively lower 1.96% annualized return.

LSBDX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: -0.19%
• 6M: 0.30%
• 1Y: 5.12%
• 3Y*: 7.01%
• 5Y*: 2.21%
• 10Y*: 3.34%

IUSB

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.60%
• 6M: 0.66%
• 1Y: 5.68%
• 3Y*: 4.57%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: 1.96%

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

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LSBDX Loomis Sayles Bond Fund	-0.19%	8.67%	6.70%	8.05%	-12.50%	3.23%	2.14%	11.72%	-2.87%	7.47%
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	0.60%	7.38%	2.11%	6.23%	-13.04%	-1.33%	7.62%	9.13%	-0.27%	3.82%

Correlation

The correlation between LSBDX and IUSB is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2014	0.52

Over the past year, LSBDX and IUSB have become more correlated (0.73) than their long-term average of 0.52, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

LSBDX vs. IUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSBDX

LSBDX Risk / Return Rank: 34
LSBDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
LSBDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
LSBDX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
LSBDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
LSBDX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

IUSB

IUSB Risk / Return Rank: 44
IUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
IUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
IUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Loomis Sayles Bond Fund (LSBDX) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB). 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.

	LSBDX	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.58	+0.22
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.36	+0.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.28	+0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	2.13	-0.19
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.52	6.52	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSBDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the IUSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSBDX and IUSB, 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

	LSBDX	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	1.58	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.09	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.39	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.41	0.46	+0.95

Drawdowns

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSBDX drawdown since its inception was -30.58%, which is greater than IUSB's maximum drawdown of -17.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSBDX and IUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSBDX	IUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.58%	-17.90%	-12.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.25%	-2.53%	-0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.55%	-5.82%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.60%	-17.87%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.60%	-17.90%	+1.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-1.15%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.80%	-3.59%	+0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.83%	+0.14%

Volatility

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Volatility Comparison

Loomis Sayles Bond Fund (LSBDX) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) have volatilities of 1.28% and 1.27%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	LSBDX	IUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	1.27%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.60%	2.64%	-0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.45%	3.62%	-0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.01%	5.79%	-0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.88%	5.04%	-0.16%

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

LSBDX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

LSBDX vs. IUSB - Dividend Comparison

LSBDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, less than IUSB's 4.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
LSBDX Loomis Sayles Bond Fund	3.87%	4.15%	5.51%	5.09%	5.13%	2.88%	3.83%	3.97%	3.78%	5.86%	3.13%	7.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LSBDX and IUSB in my portfolio?

LSBDX and IUSB have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LSBDX or IUSB?

LSBDX has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to IUSB (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSBDX dropped -30.58% vs IUSB's -17.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSBDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.58), 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.