ETF Comparison
ICSH vs NEAR: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF and iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 2, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| ICSH | NEAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF | iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF |
| Issuer | iShares | iShares |
| Price | $50.45 | $50.65 |
| Distribution yield | 4.49% | 4.49% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.25% |
| AUM | $7.1B | $4.1B |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | — |
| Underlying index | Active cash-bond strategy; benchmark: ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index (does not seek to track an index) | — |
| Objective | Provide current income consistent with preservation of capital via actively managed ultra-short-duration, investment-grade bonds. | Actively managed ETF investing in short-duration USD bonds. |
| Asset class | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Inception date | 12/11/2013 | — |
| Beta | 0.04 | 0.2 |
| Last dividend | $0.17 | $0.18 |
| Ex-dividend date | 05/01/2026 | 05/01/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
ICSH (iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF) and NEAR (iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF) are both popular monthly-pay provide current income consistent with preservation of capital via actively managed ultra-short-duration, investment-grade bonds. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
ICSH is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.08% compared to 0.25%.
ICSH is the larger fund by assets ($7.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, ICSH would generate roughly $37.42/month while NEAR would produce $37.42/month at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, ICSH would cost approximately $80 in fees vs $250 for NEAR (simplified, not compounded). The $170.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
ICSH tracks Active cash-bond strategy; benchmark: ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index (does not seek to track an index) with a provide current income consistent with preservation of capital via actively managed ultra-short-duration, investment-grade bonds. approach, while NEAR tracks — using a actively managed etf investing in short-duration usd bonds. strategy. Beta is 0.04 for ICSH and 0.2 for NEAR, indicating ICSH is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
ICSH is managed by iShares (launched 12/11/2013) with $7.1B in assets. NEAR is managed by iShares (launched —) with $4.1B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is ICSH or NEAR better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. ICSH currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between ICSH and NEAR?
ICSH (iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF) tracks Active cash-bond strategy; benchmark: ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index (does not seek to track an index) with a provide current income consistent with preservation of capital via actively managed ultra-short-duration, investment-grade bonds. strategy, while NEAR (iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF) tracks — with a actively managed etf investing in short-duration usd bonds. approach. They are issued by iShares and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both ICSH and NEAR?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, ICSH or NEAR?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while NEAR charges 0.25%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in ICSH vs NEAR generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in ICSH would generate roughly $37.42 per month ($449.00 annually). The same in NEAR would produce about $37.42 per month ($449.00 annually).
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