What does it mean when data shows 'not available' for holdings or indices?

When 'not available' appears, it means that specific detail was not provided in the source data for this comparison. For both AGG and IUSB, the tracked index, top holdings, and sector weights are listed as 'not available'. Readers should treat these fields as unverified rather than assuming zero or estimating values. Always check the official fund provider's website for the most current and complete holdings data before making any educational comparisons or decisions.

How do expense ratios differ between AGG and IUSB?

AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03%, while IUSB has a higher expense ratio of 0.06%. This represents a difference of 0.03 percentage points. Expense ratios are annual fees deducted from the fund's assets. Over time, even small differences can compound, potentially affecting net returns. Investors should understand that lower fees mean more of the gross return is retained, but they should also consider the broader investment strategy and risk profile associated with each fund's category.

What is the difference between net assets and fund size?

Net assets refer to the total market value of the securities held by the fund, minus any liabilities. AGG has $137.3 billion in net assets, while IUSB has $43.9 billion. These figures indicate the scale of each fund. Larger asset bases often contribute to better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, though this is not guaranteed. Fund size is a structural characteristic and does not inherently determine future performance, but it can influence how easily shares are bought and sold in the market.

How do the dividend yields of AGG and IUSB compare?

AGG offers a current dividend yield of 4.11%, whereas IUSB provides a higher yield of 4.35%. Dividend yield is a measure of income relative to the fund's price. IUSB's higher yield might reflect its 'Core-Plus' strategy, which often includes a wider range of credit risk or longer duration compared to a 'Core' strategy like AGG. Investors should view yield as part of total return and consider that higher yields may sometimes be associated with different risk factors in the underlying bonds.

Are there overlapping top holdings between these two funds?

According to the provided data, there are no shared top-10 holdings between AGG and IUSB. This is because the top holdings for both funds are currently 'not available' in the dataset. Consequently, we cannot calculate a specific overlap percentage. In general, even if top holdings were visible, two bond funds with different mandates (Core vs Core-Plus) might have distinct portfolios. Always verify current holdings from official sources, as portfolio compositions change regularly and impact diversification benefits.

How do inception dates affect the historical data availability?

AGG was launched on 22 September 2003, giving it a longer operational history. IUSB was launched later, on 10 June 2014. A longer history allows for more comprehensive backtesting and analysis of performance across various market cycles, such as the 2008 financial crisis. However, past performance does not guarantee future results. The shorter history of IUSB means its performance record covers fewer market environments. Investors should be aware that historical data length varies and should not be the sole factor in understanding a fund's characteristics.

What do the fund categories 'Intermediate Core Bond' and 'Intermediate Core-Plus Bond' imply?

AGG is classified as an 'Intermediate Core Bond' fund, typically targeting a broad, high-quality segment of the bond market. IUSB is an 'Intermediate Core-Plus Bond' fund, which generally implies a strategy that may include additional sectors or credit qualities beyond the core index. These category labels help investors understand the intended role of the fund in a portfolio. Core funds often seek to replicate a benchmark, while Core-Plus funds may take active or passive deviations to enhance yield, potentially altering the risk-return profile.

What index tracking information is available for these ETFs?

For both AGG and IUSB, the specific 'tracked index' is listed as 'not available' in this dataset. Typically, bond ETFs track a specific benchmark index, such as the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, but exact index names or details are not provided here. Without knowing the precise index or methodology, investors cannot fully compare the underlying market exposures. It is essential to consult the fund prospectus or issuer website for detailed index information to understand exactly which bond segments and risk factors are being targeted by each ETF.

How do sector weights influence bond fund risk?

Sector weights show the proportion of assets allocated to different bond types, such as Treasuries, corporates, or mortgage-backed securities. For both AGG and IUSB, sector weights are currently 'not available'. In bond investing, sector allocation significantly impacts sensitivity to interest rates and credit risks. A fund with a higher weight in corporate bonds, for example, may be more sensitive to economic downturns than one heavily weighted in government Treasuries. Without this data, one must rely on the fund category and prospectus to infer general risk characteristics.

Why might IUSB have a higher expense ratio than AGG?

IUSB has an expense ratio of 0.06% compared to AGG's 0.03%. Higher expense ratios can result from different operational costs, liquidity needs, or the complexity of the portfolio strategy. Since IUSB is a 'Core-Plus' fund and has a smaller asset base ($43.9 billion vs $137.3 billion for AGG), fixed costs may be spread over fewer dollars, or the strategy may require more active management or specialized securities. Understanding fee structures helps investors evaluate the cost relative to the potential benefits or risks of the fund's strategy.

How should beginners interpret the 'Dividend Yield' when comparing bond ETFs?

Dividend yield indicates the annual income paid by the fund relative to its share price. AGG yields 4.11% and IUSB yields 4.35%. For beginners, this yield is a key metric for income-focused strategies. However, yield is not return; it excludes capital appreciation or depreciation. In bond funds, yields fluctuate with interest rates and credit spreads. A higher yield might signal greater income but could also reflect higher risk or different portfolio composition. Investors should look at yield alongside total return history and risk metrics for a holistic view.

Is this comparison page financial advice?

No, this page is strictly for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. It presents factual data on AGG and IUSB, including expense ratios, net assets, and yields, without recommending either fund. Investors should not rely solely on this comparison for decisions. Market conditions, personal financial goals, and risk tolerance vary. It is important to consult the official fund documents and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Data presented here reflects figures available as of 22 September 2026.

AGG vs IUSB

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare AGG and IUSB on fees, holdings, dividends, and market tracking. AGG tracks the US Aggregate Bond index with a 0.03% expense ratio, while IUSB covers a universal USD bond market at 0.06%. Both are iShares core bond ETFs. This page presents factual data without recommendations. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

AGG

Metric

IUSB

0.03%

Expense Ratio

0.06%

4.11%

Dividend Yield

4.35%

$137.27B

Net Assets

$43.85B

13,428

Holdings

18,208

Sep 22, 2003

Inception Date

Jun 10, 2014

–

Index Tracked

–

Intermediate Core Bond

Fund Category

Intermediate Core-Plus Bond

AGG costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

AGG

Pros

AGG charges a low expense ratio of 0.03 per cent.
AGG has a large net asset base of $137.3 billion.
AGG provides a current dividend yield of 4.11 per cent.

Considerations

AGG's tracked index is not available.
AGG's top holdings are not available.
AGG's sector weights are not available.

IUSB

Pros

IUSB offers a higher dividend yield of 4.35 per cent.
IUSB has a net asset base of $43.9 billion.
IUSB was launched on June 10, 2014.

Considerations

IUSB has a higher expense ratio of 0.06 per cent.
IUSB's tracked index is not available.
IUSB's top holdings and sector weights are not available.

About AGG and IUSB

AGG (AGG)

The iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is designed to track the performance of the US investment-grade bond market. As one of the largest exchange-traded funds globally, with net assets exceeding USD 137 billion, it offers investors broad exposure to a diverse range of fixed-income securities. The fund holds over 13,000 different bonds, primarily focusing on Treasury, mortgage-backed, corporate, and other high-quality debt instruments. With an ultra-low expense ratio of 0.03%, it aims to provide cost-effective access to the intermediate core bond market. Since its inception in September 2003, AGG has become a staple for many portfolios, often used to balance equity volatility. Its current dividend yield stands at 4.11%. However, potential investors should remember that bond prices are sensitive to interest rate changes, and while this fund offers diversification, its value can rise and fall.

IUSB (IUSB)

The iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) offers investors a broad and diversified way to access the US fixed income market. As an intermediate core-plus bond fund, it seeks to provide exposure to a wide range of US dollar-denominated debt securities, including investment-grade corporate bonds, government-issued debt, and other fixed income instruments. Launched in June 2014, this ETF has grown to hold over 18,000 positions with net assets of approximately USD 43.85 billion, reflecting significant investor demand for accessible bond market exposure. With a low expense ratio of 0.06%, IUSB aims to provide cost-effective diversification. The fund currently offers a dividend yield of 4.35%, though this can fluctuate. Like all investments, capital values can rise as well as fall, and returns are not guaranteed. Investors should consider their overall portfolio strategy, risk tolerance, and investment objectives before including bond ETFs in their holdings.

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AGG vs IUSB

Fund Snapshot