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IEF vs TLT: Performance & Backtest Comparison
TLT delivered the higher return - 3.55% CAGR vs 3.32% - over 2002-08-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IEF | TLT | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF | iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF |
| CAGR | 3.32% | 3.55% |
| Total return | 119.09% | 130.91% |
| Volatility | 6.65% | 13.46% |
| Max drawdown | -25.59%Oct 2023 | -48.92%Oct 2023 |
| Sharpe | 0.27 | 0.20 |
| Sortino | 0.43 | 0.34 |
| Best year | 17.92% | 33.96% |
| Worst year | -16.29% | -31.87% |
| Final balance | $21,909 | $23,091 |
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 2026-07-31, TLT performed better: 3.55% annualized versus 3.32% 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 6.65% annualized volatility and a -25.59% max drawdown, versus 13.46% and -48.92% for TLT.