NBTR vs. IMTB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NBTR (Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF) and IMTB (iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. NBTR is actively managed, while IMTB is passively managed. Over the past year, NBTR returned 5.39% vs 5.34% for IMTB. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBTR charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMTB.

Performance

NBTR vs. IMTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) and iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBTR achieves a 0.22% return, which is significantly higher than IMTB's -0.26% return.

NBTR

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -0.47%
• YTD: 0.22%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 5.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IMTB

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: -0.26%
• 6M: 0.23%
• 1Y: 5.34%
• 3Y*: 4.61%
• 5Y*: 0.50%
• 10Y*: —

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

NBTR vs. IMTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	0.22%	8.07%	-0.26%
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	-0.26%	8.88%	0.13%

Correlation

The correlation between NBTR and IMTB is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.92

The correlation between NBTR and IMTB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBTR vs. IMTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBTR

NBTR Risk / Return Rank: 47
NBTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
NBTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
NBTR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
NBTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
NBTR Martin Ratio Rank: 44

IMTB

IMTB Risk / Return Rank: 39
IMTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
IMTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
IMTB Omega Ratio Rank: 37
IMTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
IMTB Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

NBTR vs. IMTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) and iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB). 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.

	NBTR	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.32	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.00	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.23	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	1.88	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	5.74	+0.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NBTR vs. IMTB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the IMTB Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBTR and IMTB, 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

	NBTR	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	1.32	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	0.36	+0.98

Drawdowns

NBTR vs. IMTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBTR drawdown since its inception was -2.58%, smaller than the maximum IMTB drawdown of -18.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBTR and IMTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBTR	IMTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-18.15%	+15.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.54%	-2.86%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.80%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.11%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-1.97%	+0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.59%	-4.13%	+3.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.81%	0.93%	-0.12%

Volatility

NBTR vs. IMTB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) is 1.14%, while iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) has a volatility of 1.40%. This indicates that NBTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IMTB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBTR	IMTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.14%	1.40%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	3.04%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	4.05%	-0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.09%	6.28%	-2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.09%	5.18%	-1.09%

NBTR vs. IMTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBTR has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than IMTB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBTR vs. IMTB - Dividend Comparison

NBTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.59%, more than IMTB's 4.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	4.53%	4.40%	4.42%	4.13%	2.90%	2.49%	2.63%	2.91%	3.04%	2.75%	0.40%
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	5.59%	5.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBTR and IMTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NBTR and IMTB 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.

Which is riskier, NBTR or IMTB?

IMTB has higher volatility (1.40%) compared to NBTR (1.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBTR dropped -2.58% vs IMTB's -18.15%.

Which ETF is better, NBTR or IMTB?

On 1-year performance, NBTR leads with 5.39% vs 5.34% for IMTB. On fees, IMTB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, NBTR has been the lower-risk option at 1.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBTR or IMTB?

Over the 1-year period, NBTR has performed better with a 5.39% return vs 5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBTR or IMTB?

IMTB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.37% for NBTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBTR or IMTB?

NBTR has the higher dividend yield at 5.59%, compared with 4.53% for IMTB.

What is the main difference between NBTR and IMTB?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for NBTR and 0.06% for IMTB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.32), 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.