FTCB vs IGBH
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs iShares Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
IGBH has a lower expense ratio. IGBH delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | IGBH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.14% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $203M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 5.68% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 4,130 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | +1.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +5.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +5.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 7.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -38.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jul 22, 2015 |
FTCB vs IGBH Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (IGBH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% while IGBH returned +5.37%. Year to date, FTCB is down 0.12% versus a gain of 1.22% for IGBH.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGBH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.5% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 FTCB and -38.9% for IGBH. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while IGBH charges 0.14%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $14 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 5.68% for IGBH.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and IGBH share 0 holdings out of 407 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or IGBH?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while IGBH charges 0.14%. IGBH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or IGBH?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% vs +5.37% for IGBH, so IGBH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.66% vs +2.83% for IGBH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or IGBH?
IGBH has been the more volatile fund at 7.5% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs IGBH -38.9%.
Should I hold both FTCB and IGBH?
FTCB and IGBH have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and IGBH?
FTCB and IGBH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 407 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or IGBH?
FTCB yields 5.24% while IGBH yields 5.68%, so IGBH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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