ICSH vs JPST: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, ICSH yields more: 4.13% (current yield) against 4.13% for JPST. ICSH is cheaper to own at 0.08% 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 ICSH 2.9%.
| Compared | ICSH | JPST |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 4.13% | 4.13% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +3.6% | +3.5% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.9% | +4.9% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.9% | +3.9% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.9% | — |
| Worst drop since May 2017 | -0.9% | -1.7% |
| Share price since May 2017 | +1% | +1% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | JPMorgan |
| Assets | $9.0B | $42.5B |
| Started | 2013 | 2017 |
| Type | Ultra-short bond ETF | Ultra-short bond ETF |
Higher yield
ICSH
4.13%
Lower cost
ICSH
0.08%
Better total return
JPST
3.0%/yr
Smaller worst drop
ICSH
-0.9%
Key facts: ICSH vs JPST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ICSH yields 4.13% (current yield) and JPST yields 4.13% (current yield).
- ICSH's expense ratio is 0.08% and JPST's is 0.18%: $8 vs $18 a year on $10,000.
- From May 2017 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in ICSH grew to $13,145 (2.9% a year) and $10,000 in JPST to $13,217 (3.0% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -0.9% for ICSH and -1.7% for JPST.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ICSH vs JPST: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/icsh-vs-jpst
$10,000 in each, May 2017 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
ICSH became
$13,145
2.9% a year
JPST became
$13,217
3.0% a year
Year by year
| Year | ICSH | JPST |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +5.0% | +5.0% |
| 2024 | +5.5% | +5.6% |
| 2023 | +5.6% | +5.1% |
| 2022 | +0.9% | +1.1% |
| 2021 | +0.2% | +0.1% |
| 2020 | +1.6% | +2.2% |
| 2019 | +3.1% | +3.3% |
| 2018 | +2.3% | +2.2% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- ICSH · 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.
- 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.
ICSH
- Holdings not reported.
JPST
- MGMXX JPMorgan US Government MMkt IM2.9%
ICSH vs JPST: questions
Is ICSH or JPST better?
It depends on the job. ICSH pays more today (4.13% vs 4.13%), ICSH costs less, and JPST has the better total return over May 2017 to Oct 2026, with ICSH 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, ICSH or JPST?
ICSH, at 4.13% against 4.13% for JPST as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $413 vs $413 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 2.9% for ICSH. $10,000 became $13,217 vs $13,145.
Which is cheaper, ICSH or JPST?
ICSH, with a 0.08% expense ratio against 0.18%.
How are ICSH and JPST taxed?
ICSH: 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. 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.
Related comparisons
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. ICSH leads on 4 of 5 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.