IEI Offers Lower Costs and Higher Scale Than FIGB

Core Viewpoint - The iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) and the Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF (FIGB) present distinct differences in cost, yield, and risk, with IEI being more affordable and larger, while FIGB offers a higher yield but has experienced sharper downturns [1][4]. Cost and Size Comparison - IEI has an expense ratio of 0.15%, significantly lower than FIGB's 0.36% [3][4]. - As of February 9, 2026, IEI's one-year return is 6.7%, while FIGB's is slightly higher at 6.8% [3]. - The dividend yield for IEI is 3.5%, compared to FIGB's 4.1% [3]. - IEI has a beta of 0.71, indicating lower volatility relative to the S&P 500, while FIGB has a beta of 1.01 [3]. - Assets under management (AUM) for IEI stand at $17.9 billion, whereas FIGB has $327 million [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over a four-year period, IEI's maximum drawdown is 10.9%, while FIGB's is higher at 15.6% [5]. - The growth of a $1,000 investment over four years would result in $1,057 for IEI and $1,038 for FIGB [5]. Fund Composition - FIGB offers diversified exposure with 653 holdings, including 45% in government bonds, 23% in securitized bonds, and 22% in corporate bonds [6]. - IEI exclusively invests in U.S. Treasury securities, with 85 holdings and no corporate credit exposure, focusing on government bonds [7]. Investment Implications - Both IEI and FIGB are considered quality bond funds for 2026, with potential interest in quality bond funds due to the likelihood of falling interest rates following the Federal Reserve's two rate cuts last year [8].