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IEF vs TLT: Performance & Backtest Comparison
TLT delivered the higher return - 3.69% CAGR vs 3.56% - over 2002-08-31 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IEF | TLT | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF | iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF |
| CAGR | 3.56% | 3.69% |
| Total return | 131.07% | 137.77% |
| Volatility | 6.64% | 13.48% |
| Max drawdown | -23.15%Oct 2023 | -47.61%Oct 2023 |
| Sharpe | 0.31 | 0.21 |
| Sortino | 0.50 | 0.36 |
| Best year | 17.92% | 33.96% |
| Worst year | -15.16% | -31.24% |
| Final balance | $23,107 | $23,777 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.92. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, IEF or TLT?
Over 2002-08-31 to 2026-06-30, TLT performed better: 3.69% annualized versus 3.56% for IEF, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IEF and TLT?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.92 over the common period. IEF is iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF; TLT is iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF.
Which is riskier, IEF or TLT?
Over the common period IEF had 6.64% annualized volatility and a -23.15% max drawdown, versus 13.48% and -47.61% for TLT.