USXF vs. PABU

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

USXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF) and PABU (iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USXF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Choice ESG Screened Index, while PABU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select PAB Index (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, USXF returned 25.87%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for PABU. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.

Performance

USXF vs. PABU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) and iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USXF achieves a 20.37% return, which is significantly higher than PABU's 6.81% return.

USXF

• 1D: 2.44%
• 1M: 5.10%
• YTD: 20.37%
• 6M: 21.61%
• 1Y: 36.09%
• 3Y*: 25.87%
• 5Y*: 15.64%
• 10Y*: —

PABU

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 7.83%
• 1Y: 20.95%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USXF vs. PABU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
USXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF	20.37%	16.97%	26.16%	31.65%	-14.10%
PABU iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF	6.81%	13.08%	24.84%	29.51%	-15.45%

Correlation

The correlation between USXF and PABU is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2022	0.90

The correlation between USXF and PABU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

USXF vs. PABU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USXF	PABU
Technology	53.9%	52.1%
Financial Services	15.1%	6.8%
Industrials	8.0%	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	6.0%
Healthcare	5.7%	5.7%
Real Estate	4.0%	16.6%
Basic Materials	2.3%	0.5%
Communication Services	2.0%	8.4%
Utilities	1.1%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	-
Energy	0.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

USXF vs. PABU — Risk / Return Rank

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

USXF

USXF Risk / Return Rank: 72
USXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
USXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
USXF Omega Ratio Rank: 68
USXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
USXF Martin Ratio Rank: 78

PABU

PABU Risk / Return Rank: 40
PABU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PABU Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PABU Omega Ratio Rank: 44
PABU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
PABU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

USXF vs. PABU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) and iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU). 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.

	USXF	PABU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	1.50	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	2.05	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.27	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.56	1.57	+1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	5.37	+8.33

USXF vs. PABU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USXF Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the PABU Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USXF and PABU, 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

USXF vs. PABU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USXF drawdown since its inception was -29.54%, which is greater than PABU's maximum drawdown of -22.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USXF and PABU.

Drawdown Indicators

	USXF	PABU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.54%	-22.76%	-6.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.19%	-13.40%	+3.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.93%	-20.85%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.83%	-3.61%	+2.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.40%	-5.62%	-0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	3.91%	-1.27%

Volatility

USXF vs. PABU - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) has a higher volatility of 7.98% compared to iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) at 5.97%. This indicates that USXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PABU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USXF	PABU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.98%	5.97%	+2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.39%	11.32%	+3.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.29%	14.06%	+3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	18.76%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.31%	18.76%	+0.55%

USXF vs. PABU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both USXF and PABU have an expense ratio of 0.10%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USXF vs. PABU - Dividend Comparison

USXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than PABU's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PABU iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF	1.09%	0.90%	1.00%	1.06%	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF	0.98%	0.93%	1.00%	1.21%	1.39%	0.86%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USXF and PABU in my portfolio?

USXF and PABU have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USXF or PABU?

USXF has higher volatility (7.98%) compared to PABU (5.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USXF dropped -29.54% vs PABU's -22.76%.

Which ETF is better, USXF or PABU?

On 3-year performance, USXF leads with 25.87% vs 18.02% for PABU. Both ETFs have the same 0.10% expense ratio. On volatility, PABU has been the lower-risk option at 5.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USXF or PABU?

Over the 3-year period, USXF has performed better with a 25.87% return vs 18.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USXF or PABU?

USXF and PABU have the same expense ratio: 0.10% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USXF or PABU?

PABU has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.98% for USXF.

What is the main difference between USXF and PABU?

USXF is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while PABU is Large Cap Blend Equities. USXF tracks MSCI USA Choice ESG Screened Index, while PABU tracks MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select PAB Index (USD).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.50), 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.