TPLS vs. IUSB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TPLS (Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF) and IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. TPLS is actively managed, while IUSB is passively managed. Over the past year, TPLS returned 5.39% vs 5.54% for IUSB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TPLS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IUSB.

Performance

TPLS vs. IUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) 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, TPLS achieves a 0.32% return, which is significantly lower than IUSB's 0.43% return.

TPLS

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.29%
• 1Y: 5.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IUSB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 5.54%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 0.44%
• 10Y*: 1.94%

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

TPLS vs. IUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	0.32%	5.59%
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	0.43%	6.03%

Correlation

The correlation between TPLS and IUSB is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2025	0.96

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

Return for Risk

TPLS vs. IUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPLS

TPLS Risk / Return Rank: 38
TPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
TPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
TPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 38
TPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
TPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 34

IUSB

IUSB Risk / Return Rank: 43
IUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. IUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) 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.

	TPLS	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.54	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.30	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.27	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.20	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.10	6.68	-1.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TPLS vs. IUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the IUSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TPLS 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TPLS	IUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.38	1.54	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.99	0.46	+0.52

Drawdowns

TPLS vs. IUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPLS drawdown since its inception was -3.04%, smaller than the maximum IUSB drawdown of -17.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPLS and IUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPLS	IUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-17.90%	+14.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-2.53%	-0.51%
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	-1.68%	-1.33%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.90%	-3.59%	+2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.06%	0.83%	+0.23%

Volatility

TPLS vs. IUSB - Volatility Comparison

Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) have volatilities of 1.25% and 1.24%, 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

	TPLS	IUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.25%	1.24%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	2.62%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.93%	3.62%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.54%	5.79%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.54%	5.04%	-0.50%

TPLS vs. IUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPLS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than IUSB's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPLS vs. IUSB - Dividend Comparison

TPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, 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%
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	4.61%	4.28%	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 TPLS and IUSB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, TPLS 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, TPLS or IUSB?

TPLS has higher volatility (1.25%) compared to IUSB (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TPLS dropped -3.04% vs IUSB's -17.90%.

Which ETF is better, TPLS or IUSB?

On 1-year performance, IUSB leads with 5.54% vs 5.39% for TPLS. On fees, IUSB 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, TPLS or IUSB?

Over the 1-year period, IUSB has performed better with a 5.54% return vs 5.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TPLS or IUSB?

IUSB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for TPLS.

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

TPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 4.23% for IUSB.

What is the main difference between TPLS and IUSB?

They also come from different issuers: Thornburg and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for TPLS and 0.06% for IUSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.38), 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.