TPLS vs. GSG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TPLS (Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF) and GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - TPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Thornburg, while GSG is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Total Return Index. TPLS is actively managed, while GSG is passively managed. Over the past year, TPLS returned 4.63% vs 23.99% for GSG. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. TPLS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GSG.

Performance

TPLS vs. GSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TPLS achieves a 0.56% return, which is significantly lower than GSG's 26.84% return.

TPLS

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 0.56%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 4.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GSG

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -12.03%
• YTD: 26.84%
• 6M: 26.40%
• 1Y: 23.99%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 13.07%
• 10Y*: 6.69%

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

TPLS vs. GSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	0.56%	5.54%
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	26.84%	1.72%

Correlation

The correlation between TPLS and GSG is -0.37, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	-0.31

Return for Risk

TPLS vs. GSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPLS

TPLS Risk / Return Rank: 33
TPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
TPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
TPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 33
TPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
TPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 30

GSG

GSG Risk / Return Rank: 32
GSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
GSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GSG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
GSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
GSG 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.

TPLS vs. GSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). 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.

	TPLS	GSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.04	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.51	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.20	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	1.52	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	6.22	-2.05

TPLS vs. GSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the GSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TPLS and GSG, 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

TPLS vs. GSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPLS drawdown since its inception was -3.04%, smaller than the maximum GSG drawdown of -89.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPLS and GSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPLS	GSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-89.62%	+86.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-15.88%	+12.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.88%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-61.70%	+60.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-63.69%	+62.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.11%	4.46%	-3.35%

Volatility

TPLS vs. GSG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is 0.97%, while iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) has a volatility of 5.46%. This indicates that TPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TPLS	GSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	5.46%	-4.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	20.81%	-17.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88%	23.19%	-19.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.51%	22.66%	-18.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.51%	22.03%	-17.52%

TPLS vs. GSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPLS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than GSG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPLS vs. GSG - Dividend Comparison

TPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, while GSG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	0.00%	0.00%
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	4.60%	4.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TPLS and GSG in my portfolio?

TPLS and GSG 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 is riskier, TPLS or GSG?

GSG has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to TPLS (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TPLS dropped -3.04% vs GSG's -89.62%.

Which ETF is better, TPLS or GSG?

On 1-year performance, GSG leads with 23.99% vs 4.63% for TPLS. On fees, TPLS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, TPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TPLS or GSG?

Over the 1-year period, GSG has performed better with a 23.99% return vs 4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TPLS or GSG?

TPLS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TPLS or GSG?

TPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 0.00% for GSG.

What is the main difference between TPLS and GSG?

TPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while GSG is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Thornburg and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for TPLS and 0.75% for GSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.20 vs 1.04), 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.