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IGIB Offers Broader Bond Exposure Than FIGB

newsfeedback@fool.com (Cory Renauer)
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The iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGIB) outperformed Fidelity’s FIGB in April 2026, delivering a 9.12% 1-year return versus FIGB’s 5.98%, while charging a significantly lower 0.04% expense ratio compared to FIGB’s 0.36%. IGIB holds nearly 3,000 diversified corporate bonds, offering broader exposure than FIGB’s concentrated 180-bond portfolio, which leans heavily on cash (9.78%) and Treasuries, increasing its risk profile and reducing liquidity. With $17.7 billion in assets, IGIB dwarfs FIGB’s $450.9 million, providing greater market stability and lower volatility, though both funds target high-quality U.S. bonds with investment-grade ratings. IGIB’s 4.7% dividend yield surpasses FIGB’s 4.1%, appealing to income-focused investors, especially as IGIB’s payouts grew 37.3% over three years while FIGB’s declined by 6.8%. Over five years, IGIB generated $84 per $1,000 invested versus FIGB’s $24, despite higher corporate bond risk, suggesting stronger long-term performance for diversified corporate debt strategies.
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By Cory Renauer – Apr 11, 2026 at 2:03PM ESTKey PointsIGIB charges a much lower expense ratio and delivered stronger 1-year returns as of April 2026FIGB holds far fewer bonds and is more concentrated in cash and TreasuriesBoth funds provide investment-grade exposure, but IGIB is far larger and more liquidThe iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGIB 0.17%) stands out for its low fees and broader bond diversification, while the Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF (FIGB 0.09%) offers a more concentrated portfolio with a heavier cash and Treasury focus.Both IGIB and FIGB aim to provide investors with exposure to high-quality U.S. bonds, but they take different approaches in portfolio size, sector allocation, and cost. This comparison highlights where each fund may appeal, depending on investor priorities around expenses, risk, and portfolio makeup.Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIGIBFIGBIssuerISharesFidelityExpense ratio0.04%0.36%1-yr return (as of 2026-04-10)9.12%5.98%Dividend yield4.7%4.1%AUM$17.7 billion$450.9 millionThe 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.IGIB is notably more affordable, with a 0.04% expense ratio compared to FIGB’s 0.36%. IGIB also offers a higher dividend yield, which may appeal to income-focused investors seeking a larger payout from their bond allocation.Performance & risk comparisonMetricIGIBFIGBMax drawdown (5 y)(20.62%)(18.06%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,084$1,024What's insideFIGB is a core fixed-income ETF that targets a mix of U.S. high-grade bond sectors. The fund holds 180 securities, with its largest allocations in Cash Cf (9.78%), USTB 4.75% 08/15/55 (3.35%), and USTN 4.25% 08/15/35 (3.27%). FIGB’s portfolio is much smaller and more concentrated compared to some peers, and the fund has been around for just over five years.IGIB, by contrast, is far more diversified, holding nearly 3,000 investment-grade corporate bonds. Its top positions include 10-year corporate bonds with each issue at less than 0.25% of assets. IGIB’s focus remains on U.S. corporate bonds with maturities between five and ten years, and it does not display any unusual portfolio quirks.Both IGIB and FIGB provide investment-grade bond exposure, but IGIB’s larger asset base and broader diversification may appeal to investors seeking stability and liquidity, while FIGB’s concentrated approach could suit those preferring a heavier allocation to cash and Treasuries.For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.What this means for investorsCorporate bond investing is inherently riskier than investing in treasuries because businesses can’t print their own currency. There’s supposed to be a financial trade-off for that extra risk, but you wouldn’t know it by comparing five-year returns from these two ETFs. Over the past five years, the corporate bond-focused IGIB has returned $84 for every $1,000 invested. That works out to an 1.63% annual growth rate. The FGIB, which has 43.98% of its portfolio in government-backed securities, has returned just $24 for every $1,000 invested over the same time frame.Investors looking for dividend income might be better off with the IGIB ETF. It’s dividend has risen by 37.3% over the past three years. Over the same time frame, the FGIB ETF lowered its payout by 6.8%. If the IGIB ETF repeats the dividend payments it made over the past 12 months, investors will who buy at recent prices will receive a 4.7% yield. DIvidend payments from the FGIB ETF have been less predictable. A repeat of the past 12 months would produce a 4.1% yeld. Read NextMar 16, 2026 •By John BallardVCIT Offers Broader Diversification Than FIGBApr 11, 2026 •By Cory RenauerIEI Offers Lower Risk While IGIB Delivers a Higher YieldApr 11, 2026 •By Alex CarchidiForeigners Own Nearly $30 Trillion in U.S. Stocks and Bonds.

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The Famed Banker Sees 3 Big Risks, and They Couldn't Be Any ClearerAbout the AuthorCory Renauer is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare analyst covering pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. Previously, Cory was a laboratory technician for the American Red Cross. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oakland University.TMFang4applesX@coryrenauerStocks MentionedFidelity Merrimack Street Trust - Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETFNYSEMKT: FIGB$43.15(-0.09%)-$0.04iShares Trust - iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETFNASDAQ: IGIB$53.33(-0.17%)-$0.09*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

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