BOXX vs SGOV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, SGOV yields more: 3.64% (current yield) against 0.00% for BOXX. SGOV is cheaper to own at 0.09% a year vs 0.19%. Over the same 3 years (Dec 2022 to Oct 2026), BOXX returned 4.6% a year with distributions reinvested, and SGOV 4.6%. BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell); SGOV's is generally exempt from state income tax.
SGOViShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF3.64%current yield| Compared | BOXX | SGOV |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 0.00% | 3.64% |
| Expense ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +4.1% | +3.7% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.6% | +4.5% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | — | +3.8% |
| Worst drop since Dec 2022 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Share price since Dec 2022 | +19% | +1% |
| Pays | Annual | Monthly |
| Issuer | Alpha Architect | iShares |
| Assets | $14.4B | $116.8B |
| Started | 2022 | 2020 |
| Type | Box-spread ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
SGOV
3.64%
Lower cost
SGOV
0.09%
Better total return
BOXX
4.6%/yr
Smaller worst drop
BOXX
0.0%
Key facts: BOXX vs SGOV
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BOXX yields 0.00% (current yield) and SGOV yields 3.64% (current yield).
- BOXX's expense ratio is 0.19% and SGOV's is 0.09%: $19 vs $9 a year on $10,000.
- From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in BOXX grew to $11,902 (4.6% a year) and $10,000 in SGOV to $11,889 (4.6% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: 0.0% for BOXX and 0.0% for SGOV.
- BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell), while SGOV's is generally exempt from state income tax.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BOXX vs SGOV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/boxx-vs-sgov
$10,000 in each, Dec 2022 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
BOXX became
$11,902
4.6% a year
SGOV became
$11,889
4.6% a year
Year by year
| Year | BOXX | SGOV |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.4% | +4.2% |
| 2024 | +5.2% | +5.3% |
| 2023 | +5.0% | +5.1% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- BOXX · Box-spread ETF
- Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell.
- SGOV · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
BOXX vs SGOV: questions
Is BOXX or SGOV better?
It depends on the job. SGOV pays more today (3.64% vs 0.00%), SGOV costs less, and BOXX has the better total return over Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, with BOXX holding up better in its worst stretch. For cash you may need soon, yield after tax and how easily you can get the money out matter more than past returns.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or SGOV?
SGOV, at 3.64% against 0.00% for BOXX as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $364 vs $0 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
BOXX. From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, it returned 4.6% a year with distributions reinvested, against 4.6% for SGOV. $10,000 became $11,902 vs $11,889.
Which is cheaper, BOXX or SGOV?
SGOV, with a 0.09% expense ratio against 0.19%.
How are BOXX and SGOV taxed?
BOXX: Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell. SGOV: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). General information, not tax advice.
Related comparisons
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.