AGG vs FIIG
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF vs First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Which is better, AGG or FIIG?
Nearly the same fund. AGG costs less.
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y, FIIG over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGG | FIIG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.49% |
| AUM | $137.6B | $628M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 5.26% |
| Holdings | 13,338 | 471 |
| YTD Return | -2.12%Best | -3.13% |
| 1Y Return | -2.06%Best | -3.25% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.55% | +5.42%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.53% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 6.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0%Best | -5.5% |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $11,157 | $11,435Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2003 | Aug 2, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.2 years).
AGG vs FIIG growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.2 years both funds cover.
AGG vs FIIG Performance
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FIIG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% while FIIG returned -3.25%. Year to date, AGG is down 2.12% versus a loss of 3.13% for FIIG.
Over three years, AGG compounded at +4.55% per year against +5.42% for FIIG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FIIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 5.7% for AGG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.0% for AGG and -5.5% for FIIG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGG charges 0.03% per year while FIIG charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGG currently yields 4.19% against 5.26% for FIIG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AGG and FIIG you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGG or FIIG?
AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while FIIG charges 0.49%. AGG is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AGG or FIIG?
Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% vs -3.25% for FIIG, so AGG leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AGG or FIIG?
FIIG has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 5.7% for AGG. Worst drawdown: AGG -5.0% vs FIIG -5.5%.
Should I hold both AGG and FIIG?
AGG and FIIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGG or FIIG?
AGG yields 4.19% while FIIG yields 5.26%, so FIIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FIIG better than AGG?
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y, FIIG over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.