STXT vs. IMTB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

STXT (Strive Total Return Bond ETF) and IMTB (iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds - STXT tracks the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index while IMTB tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Universal 5-10 Years Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, STXT returned 4.34% vs 5.97% for IMTB. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STXT charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMTB.

Performance

STXT vs. IMTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) 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, STXT achieves a 0.19% return, which is significantly higher than IMTB's -0.02% return.

STXT

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 4.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IMTB

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: -0.02%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 5.97%
• 3Y*: 4.75%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

STXT vs. IMTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	0.19%	6.58%	1.77%	4.09%
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	-0.02%	8.88%	1.94%	4.40%

Correlation

The correlation between STXT and IMTB is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2023	0.82

The correlation between STXT and IMTB shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.82 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

STXT vs. IMTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXT

STXT Risk / Return Rank: 30
STXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
STXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
STXT Omega Ratio Rank: 30
STXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
STXT Martin Ratio Rank: 30

IMTB

IMTB Risk / Return Rank: 42
IMTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
IMTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IMTB Omega Ratio Rank: 40
IMTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IMTB 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.

STXT vs. IMTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	STXT	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.48	-0.35
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	2.25	-0.59
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.26	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	2.10	-0.67
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.35	6.51	-2.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

STXT vs. IMTB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXT Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the IMTB Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXT 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

	STXT	IMTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	1.48	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.36	+0.53

Drawdowns

STXT vs. IMTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXT drawdown since its inception was -5.27%, smaller than the maximum IMTB drawdown of -18.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXT and IMTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXT	IMTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.27%	-18.15%	+12.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.80%	-2.86%	+0.06%
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	-1.66%	-1.74%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.36%	-4.13%	+2.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.92%	0.00%

Volatility

STXT vs. IMTB - Volatility Comparison

Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) have volatilities of 1.49% and 1.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXT	IMTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	1.45%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	3.02%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	4.05%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	6.28%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	5.18%	-0.14%

STXT vs. IMTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXT has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IMTB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXT vs. IMTB - Dividend Comparison

STXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, more than IMTB's 4.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IMTB iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF	4.52%	4.40%	4.42%	4.13%	2.90%	2.49%	2.63%	2.91%	3.04%	2.75%	0.40%
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	4.70%	4.93%	5.15%	1.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXT and IMTB in my portfolio?

STXT and IMTB have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STXT or IMTB?

STXT has higher volatility (1.49%) compared to IMTB (1.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXT dropped -5.27% vs IMTB's -18.15%.

Which ETF is better, STXT or IMTB?

On 1-year performance, IMTB leads with 5.97% vs 4.34% for STXT. On fees, IMTB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXT or IMTB?

Over the 1-year period, IMTB has performed better with a 5.97% return vs 4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXT or IMTB?

IMTB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for STXT.

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

STXT has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 4.52% for IMTB.

What is the main difference between STXT and IMTB?

STXT tracks Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, while IMTB tracks Bloomberg U.S. Universal 5-10 Years Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for STXT and 0.06% for IMTB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMTB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.13), 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.