SGOV vs TFLO
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF vs iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SGOV has a lower expense ratio. TFLO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SGOV offers more diversification with 23 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOV | TFLO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $99.7B | $6.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 3.89% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +2.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.52% | +3.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +4.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +3.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 0.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 26, 2020 | Feb 4, 2014 |
SGOV vs TFLO Performance
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SGOV returned +3.52% while TFLO returned +3.58%. Year to date, SGOV is up 1.90% versus a gain of 2.00% for TFLO.
Over three years, SGOV compounded at +4.51% per year against +4.53% for TFLO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +3.73% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SGOV has the edge at +2.91% annualized vs +1.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 0.7% compared with 0.7% for TFLO. 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 -0.3% for SGOV and -5.0% for TFLO. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOV charges 0.09% per year while TFLO charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $15 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOV currently yields 3.85% against 3.89% for TFLO.
Holdings Overlap
SGOV and TFLO share 0 holdings out of 6 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, SGOV or TFLO?
SGOV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TFLO charges 0.15%. SGOV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOV or TFLO?
Over the past year SGOV returned +3.52% vs +3.58% for TFLO, so TFLO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SGOV annualized +2.91% vs +1.50% for TFLO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOV or TFLO?
SGOV has been the more volatile fund at 0.7% annualized versus 0.7% for TFLO. Worst drawdown: SGOV -0.3% vs TFLO -5.0%.
Should I hold both SGOV and TFLO?
SGOV and TFLO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGOV and TFLO?
SGOV and TFLO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOV or TFLO?
SGOV yields 3.85% while TFLO yields 3.89%, so TFLO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.