VTG vs. IBGA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and IBGA (iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds - VTG tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index while IBGA tracks the ICE 2044 Maturity US Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IBGA.

Performance

VTG vs. IBGA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF (IBGA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a 0.01% return, which is significantly higher than IBGA's -0.17% return.

VTG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBGA

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.17%
• 6M: -0.81%
• 1Y: 4.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. IBGA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.01%	2.88%
IBGA iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF	-0.17%	3.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and IBGA 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

VTG vs. IBGA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBGA

IBGA Risk / Return Rank: 17
IBGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
IBGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
IBGA Omega Ratio Rank: 16
IBGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
IBGA Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

VTG vs. IBGA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF (IBGA). 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

	VTG	IBGA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	0.23	+0.69

Drawdowns

VTG vs. IBGA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum IBGA drawdown of -11.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and IBGA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	IBGA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-11.69%	+8.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-4.47%	+2.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.74%	-5.05%	+4.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.41%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	IBGA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.68%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	8.21%	-4.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	9.86%	-6.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	9.86%	-6.35%

VTG vs. IBGA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than IBGA's 0.07% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTG vs. IBGA - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, less than IBGA's 4.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IBGA iShares iBonds Dec 2044 Term Treasury ETF	4.65%	4.49%	2.03%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and IBGA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VTG and IBGA 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 ETF is better, VTG or IBGA?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or IBGA?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IBGA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTG or IBGA?

IBGA has the higher dividend yield at 4.65%, compared with 3.20% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VTG and IBGA?

VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while IBGA tracks ICE 2044 Maturity US Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.07% for IBGA.