MAXJ vs. IBIC

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) and IBIC (iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MAXJ is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by iShares, while IBIC is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. MAXJ is actively managed, while IBIC is passively managed. Over the past year, MAXJ returned 9.57% vs 4.60% for IBIC. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. MAXJ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for IBIC.

Performance

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAXJ achieves a 2.84% return, which is significantly higher than IBIC's 2.37% return.

MAXJ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.38%
• 1Y: 9.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIC

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 2.37%
• 6M: 2.47%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	2.84%	8.97%	4.55%
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	2.37%	4.96%	2.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MAXJ and IBIC is -0.23, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2024	-0.15

Return for Risk

MAXJ vs. IBIC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 94
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

IBIC

IBIC Risk / Return Rank: 98
IBIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
IBIC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). 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.

	MAXJ	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.33	5.14	-1.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.53	9.34	-3.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.81	2.28	-0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.64	17.50	-11.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.01	67.61	-35.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAXJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.33, which is lower than the IBIC Sharpe Ratio of 5.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAXJ and IBIC, 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

	MAXJ	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.33	5.14	-1.81
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.63	3.48	-1.85

Drawdowns

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAXJ drawdown since its inception was -6.35%, which is greater than IBIC's maximum drawdown of -0.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAXJ and IBIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAXJ	IBIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.35%	-0.90%	-5.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.70%	-0.26%	-1.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-0.13%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.56%	-0.10%	-0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	0.07%	+0.23%

Volatility

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) is 0.29%, while iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC) has a volatility of 0.31%. This indicates that MAXJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAXJ	IBIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.29%	0.31%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.91%	0.67%	+1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.91%	0.90%	+2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.27%	1.57%	+3.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.27%	1.57%	+3.70%

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAXJ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIC's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAXJ vs. IBIC - Dividend Comparison

MAXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than IBIC's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	3.59%	4.43%	4.65%	0.83%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAXJ and IBIC in my portfolio?

MAXJ and IBIC have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAXJ or IBIC?

IBIC has higher volatility (0.31%) compared to MAXJ (0.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAXJ dropped -6.35% vs IBIC's -0.90%.

Which ETF is better, MAXJ or IBIC?

On 1-year performance, MAXJ leads with 9.57% vs 4.60% for IBIC. On fees, IBIC is cheaper at 0.10% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAXJ or IBIC?

Over the 1-year period, MAXJ has performed better with a 9.57% return vs 4.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAXJ or IBIC?

IBIC is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for MAXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAXJ or IBIC?

IBIC has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 0.98% for MAXJ.

What is the main difference between MAXJ and IBIC?

MAXJ is categorized as Equity Hedged, while IBIC is Inflation-Protected Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for MAXJ and 0.10% for IBIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.14 vs 3.33), 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.