MLDR vs. TFLO

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

MLDR (Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF) and TFLO (iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past year, MLDR returned 2.21% vs 3.93% for TFLO. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. MLDR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for TFLO.

Performance

MLDR vs. TFLO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) and iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLDR achieves a -0.27% return, which is significantly lower than TFLO's 1.85% return.

MLDR

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: -0.27%
• 6M: -0.47%
• 1Y: 2.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TFLO

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.85%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 3.93%
• 3Y*: 4.69%
• 5Y*: 3.68%
• 10Y*: 2.38%

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

MLDR vs. TFLO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MLDR Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	-0.27%	7.20%	-3.31%
TFLO iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF	1.85%	4.22%	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between MLDR and TFLO is -0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	-0.02

Return for Risk

MLDR vs. TFLO — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLDR

MLDR Risk / Return Rank: 18
MLDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
MLDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
MLDR Omega Ratio Rank: 17
MLDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
MLDR Martin Ratio Rank: 18

TFLO

TFLO Risk / Return Rank: 100
TFLO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
TFLO Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
TFLO Omega Ratio Rank: 100
TFLO Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
TFLO Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

MLDR vs. TFLO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) and iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO). 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.

	MLDR	TFLO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	13.90	-13.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	48.75	-47.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	13.02	-11.92
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.68	199.14	-198.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.84	788.99	-787.15

MLDR vs. TFLO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLDR Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the TFLO Sharpe Ratio of 13.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLDR and TFLO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MLDR vs. TFLO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLDR drawdown since its inception was -4.55%, smaller than the maximum TFLO drawdown of -5.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLDR and TFLO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLDR	TFLO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-5.01%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-0.02%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-0.13%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-0.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-0.02%	-1.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-0.10%	-1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	0.00%	+1.22%

Volatility

MLDR vs. TFLO - Volatility Comparison

Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) has a higher volatility of 1.28% compared to iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) at 0.09%. This indicates that MLDR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TFLO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLDR	TFLO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	0.09%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	0.21%	+2.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	0.28%	+3.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.18%	0.36%	+3.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.18%	0.45%	+3.73%

MLDR vs. TFLO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLDR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than TFLO's 0.15% 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

MLDR vs. TFLO - Dividend Comparison

MLDR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, less than TFLO's 3.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLDR Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	3.76%	3.57%	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TFLO iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF	3.89%	4.16%	5.21%	4.88%	1.68%	0.00%	0.36%	2.08%	1.65%	0.86%	0.31%	0.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLDR and TFLO in my portfolio?

MLDR and TFLO have a correlation of -0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLDR or TFLO?

MLDR has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to TFLO (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLDR dropped -4.55% vs TFLO's -5.01%.

Which ETF is better, MLDR or TFLO?

On 1-year performance, TFLO leads with 3.93% vs 2.21% for MLDR. On fees, MLDR is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, TFLO has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLDR or TFLO?

Over the 1-year period, TFLO has performed better with a 3.93% return vs 2.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLDR or TFLO?

MLDR is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for TFLO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLDR or TFLO?

TFLO has the higher dividend yield at 3.89%, compared with 3.76% for MLDR.

What is the main difference between MLDR and TFLO?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for MLDR and 0.15% for TFLO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TFLO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (13.90 vs 0.60), 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.