VTG vs. IBIC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and IBIC (iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while IBIC is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for IBIC.

Performance

VTG vs. IBIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than IBIC's 2.43% return.

VTG

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIC

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 2.43%
• 6M: 2.57%
• 1Y: 4.42%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. IBIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.11%	3.07%
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	2.43%	1.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and IBIC is -0.12, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

VTG vs. IBIC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

IBIC

IBIC Risk / Return Rank: 98
IBIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. IBIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). 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.

	VTG	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	4.99	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	8.97	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	2.22	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	16.56	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	58.67	—

Drawdowns

VTG vs. IBIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, which is greater than IBIC's maximum drawdown of -0.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and IBIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	IBIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-0.90%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.68%	-0.08%	-1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-0.10%	-0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	IBIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.17%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.67%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.52%	0.89%	+2.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.52%	1.56%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.52%	1.56%	+1.96%

VTG vs. IBIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than IBIC's 0.10% 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. IBIC - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, less than IBIC's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	3.58%	4.43%	4.65%	0.83%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and IBIC in my portfolio?

VTG and IBIC have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTG or IBIC?

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 IBIC?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for IBIC.

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

IBIC has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 3.20% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VTG and IBIC?

VTG is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while IBIC is Inflation-Protected Bonds. VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while IBIC tracks ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.10% for IBIC.