GBIL vs JPST: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, JPST yields more: 4.13% (current yield) against 3.59% for GBIL. GBIL is cheaper to own at 0.12% a year vs 0.18%. Over the same 9 years (May 2017 to Oct 2026), JPST returned 3.0% a year with distributions reinvested, and GBIL 2.5%. GBIL's income is generally exempt from state income tax; JPST's is mostly taxable by states.
| Compared | GBIL | JPST |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 3.59% | 4.13% |
| Expense ratio | 0.12% | 0.18% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +3.6% | +3.5% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.4% | +4.9% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.6% | +3.9% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.4% | — |
| Worst drop since May 2017 | -0.4% | -1.7% |
| Share price since May 2017 | +0% | +1% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | Goldman Sachs | JPMorgan |
| Assets | $7.9B | $42.5B |
| Started | 2016 | 2017 |
| Type | Treasury ETF | Ultra-short bond ETF |
Higher yield
JPST
4.13%
Lower cost
GBIL
0.12%
Better total return
JPST
3.0%/yr
Smaller worst drop
GBIL
-0.4%
Key facts: GBIL vs JPST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, GBIL yields 3.59% (current yield) and JPST yields 4.13% (current yield).
- GBIL's expense ratio is 0.12% and JPST's is 0.18%: $12 vs $18 a year on $10,000.
- From May 2017 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in GBIL grew to $12,606 (2.5% a year) and $10,000 in JPST to $13,217 (3.0% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -0.4% for GBIL and -1.7% for JPST.
- GBIL's income is generally exempt from state income tax, while JPST's is mostly taxable by states.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GBIL vs JPST: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gbil-vs-jpst
$10,000 in each, May 2017 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
GBIL became
$12,606
2.5% a year
JPST became
$13,217
3.0% a year
Year by year
| Year | GBIL | JPST |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.1% | +5.0% |
| 2024 | +5.2% | +5.6% |
| 2023 | +4.9% | +5.1% |
| 2022 | +1.1% | +1.1% |
| 2021 | −0.1% | +0.1% |
| 2020 | +0.8% | +2.2% |
| 2019 | +2.3% | +3.3% |
| 2018 | +1.8% | +2.2% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- GBIL · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
- JPST · Ultra-short bond ETF
- Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement.
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
Top holdings
No overlap in the top ten.
GBIL
- Holdings not reported.
JPST
- MGMXX JPMorgan US Government MMkt IM2.9%
GBIL vs JPST: questions
Is GBIL or JPST better?
It depends on the job. JPST pays more today (4.13% vs 3.59%), GBIL costs less, and JPST has the better total return over May 2017 to Oct 2026, with GBIL 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, GBIL or JPST?
JPST, at 4.13% against 3.59% for GBIL as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $413 vs $359 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
JPST. From May 2017 to Oct 2026, it returned 3.0% a year with distributions reinvested, against 2.5% for GBIL. $10,000 became $13,217 vs $12,606.
Which is cheaper, GBIL or JPST?
GBIL, with a 0.12% expense ratio against 0.18%.
How are GBIL and JPST taxed?
GBIL: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). JPST: Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement. General information, not tax advice.
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.