NBTR vs. IUSB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NBTR (Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF) and IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. NBTR is actively managed, while IUSB is passively managed. Over the past year, NBTR returned 5.42% vs 4.82% for IUSB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NBTR charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IUSB.

Performance

NBTR vs. IUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) 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, NBTR achieves a 0.62% return, which is significantly higher than IUSB's 0.54% return.

NBTR

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 5.42%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IUSB

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 0.54%
• 6M: 0.62%
• 1Y: 4.82%
• 3Y*: 4.47%
• 5Y*: 0.40%
• 10Y*: 1.89%

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

NBTR vs. IUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	0.62%	8.07%	-0.93%
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	0.54%	7.38%	-0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between NBTR and IUSB is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.96

The correlation between NBTR and IUSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBTR vs. IUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBTR

NBTR Risk / Return Rank: 45
NBTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NBTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NBTR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
NBTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
NBTR Martin Ratio Rank: 42

IUSB

IUSB Risk / Return Rank: 38
IUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
IUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
IUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 37
IUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
IUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. IUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) 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.

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.

	NBTR	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.35	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.02	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.24	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	1.92	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.45	5.54	+0.91

NBTR vs. IUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the IUSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBTR 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.

Drawdowns

NBTR vs. IUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBTR drawdown since its inception was -2.58%, smaller than the maximum IUSB drawdown of -17.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBTR and IUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBTR	IUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-17.90%	+15.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.54%	-2.53%	-0.01%
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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-1.22%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.64%	-3.58%	+2.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	0.87%	-0.03%

Volatility

NBTR vs. IUSB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) is 0.84%, while iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) has a volatility of 1.08%. This indicates that NBTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IUSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBTR	IUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.84%	1.08%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	2.73%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.50%	3.59%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.10%	5.80%	-1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.10%	5.05%	-0.95%

NBTR vs. IUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NBTR vs. IUSB - Dividend Comparison

NBTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.57%, more than IUSB's 4.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	4.23%	4.17%	4.04%	3.46%	2.53%	1.74%	2.68%	3.04%	2.98%	2.56%	2.60%	1.95%
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	5.57%	5.76%	0.00%	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 IUSB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NBTR and IUSB 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 IUSB?

IUSB has higher volatility (1.08%) compared to NBTR (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBTR dropped -2.58% vs IUSB's -17.90%.

Which ETF is better, NBTR or IUSB?

On 1-year performance, NBTR leads with 5.42% vs 4.82% for IUSB. On fees, IUSB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, NBTR has been the lower-risk option at 0.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBTR or IUSB?

Over the 1-year period, NBTR has performed better with a 5.42% return vs 4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBTR or IUSB?

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

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

NBTR has the higher dividend yield at 5.57%, compared with 4.23% for IUSB.

What is the main difference between NBTR and IUSB?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.35), 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.