STEN vs. BRTR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

STEN (iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF) and BRTR (Blackrock Total Return ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STEN is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by BlackRock, while BRTR is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by BlackRock. Both are actively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. STEN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for BRTR.

Performance

STEN vs. BRTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STEN achieves a 8.04% return, which is significantly higher than BRTR's 0.51% return.

STEN

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 8.04%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BRTR

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.51%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 5.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STEN vs. BRTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	8.04%	2.05%
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	0.51%	0.99%

Correlation

The correlation between STEN and BRTR is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.37

Return for Risk

STEN vs. BRTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRTR

BRTR Risk / Return Rank: 40
BRTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
BRTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BRTR Omega Ratio Rank: 42
BRTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
BRTR Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

STEN vs. BRTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and Blackrock Total Return ETF (BRTR). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STEN	BRTR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	0.89	+0.81

Drawdowns

STEN vs. BRTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STEN drawdown since its inception was -6.21%, which is greater than BRTR's maximum drawdown of -5.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STEN and BRTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	STEN	BRTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-5.07%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-1.58%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-1.35%	+0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STEN	BRTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.22%	3.68%	+5.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.22%	4.69%	+4.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.22%	4.69%	+4.53%

STEN vs. BRTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

STEN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than BRTR's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

STEN vs. BRTR - Dividend Comparison

STEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, less than BRTR's 4.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BRTR Blackrock Total Return ETF	4.72%	4.86%	5.58%	0.22%
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	0.29%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STEN and BRTR in my portfolio?

STEN and BRTR have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STEN or BRTR?

On fees, BRTR is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STEN or BRTR?

BRTR is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for STEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STEN or BRTR?

BRTR has the higher dividend yield at 4.72%, compared with 0.29% for STEN.

What is the main difference between STEN and BRTR?

STEN is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BRTR is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for STEN and 0.38% for BRTR.