STEN vs. LCTD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STEN (iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF) and LCTD (BlackRock World ex U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STEN is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by BlackRock, while LCTD is a Alternative Energy Equities fund actively managed by BlackRock. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STEN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for LCTD.

Performance

STEN vs. LCTD - 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 World ex U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF (LCTD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STEN achieves a 7.79% return, which is significantly higher than LCTD's 6.33% return.

STEN

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 3.31%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 8.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LCTD

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 8.97%
• 1Y: 19.28%
• 3Y*: 14.96%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: —

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

STEN vs. LCTD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	7.79%	2.05%
LCTD BlackRock World ex U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF	6.33%	3.54%

Correlation

The correlation between STEN and LCTD is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

STEN vs. LCTD — Risk / Return Rank

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

LCTD

LCTD Risk / Return Rank: 37
LCTD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
LCTD Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
LCTD Omega Ratio Rank: 36
LCTD Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
LCTD Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. LCTD - 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 World ex U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF (LCTD). 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	LCTD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.67	0.48	+1.19

Drawdowns

STEN vs. LCTD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STEN drawdown since its inception was -6.21%, smaller than the maximum LCTD drawdown of -29.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STEN and LCTD.

Drawdown Indicators

	STEN	LCTD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-29.82%	+23.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.92%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.59%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-3.23%	+2.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-6.79%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STEN	LCTD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.31%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.24%	14.55%	-5.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.24%	16.14%	-6.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.24%	16.06%	-6.82%

STEN vs. LCTD - Expense Ratio Comparison

STEN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than LCTD's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

STEN vs. LCTD - Dividend Comparison

STEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, less than LCTD's 3.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
LCTD BlackRock World ex U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF	3.40%	3.61%	3.74%	3.16%	3.52%	2.20%
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	0.29%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STEN and LCTD in my portfolio?

STEN and LCTD have a correlation of 0.78, 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 LCTD?

On fees, LCTD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STEN or LCTD?

LCTD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for STEN.

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

LCTD has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 0.29% for STEN.

What is the main difference between STEN and LCTD?

STEN is categorized as Defined Outcome, while LCTD is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for STEN and 0.20% for LCTD.