ICSH vs SHV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, ICSH yields more: 4.13% (current yield) against 3.63% for SHV. ICSH is cheaper to own at 0.08% a year vs 0.15%. Over the same 12 years (Dec 2013 to Oct 2026), ICSH returned 2.3% a year with distributions reinvested, and SHV 1.9%. ICSH's income is mostly taxable by states; SHV's is generally exempt from state income tax.
SHViShares 0–1 Year Treasury Bond ETF3.63%current yield| Compared | ICSH | SHV |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 4.13% | 3.63% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.15% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +3.6% | +3.6% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.9% | +4.4% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.9% | +3.6% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.9% | +2.4% |
| Worst drop since Dec 2013 | -0.9% | -0.3% |
| Share price since Dec 2013 | +1% | +0% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | iShares |
| Assets | $9.0B | $21.4B |
| Started | 2013 | 2007 |
| Type | Ultra-short bond ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
ICSH
4.13%
Lower cost
ICSH
0.08%
Better total return
ICSH
2.3%/yr
Smaller worst drop
SHV
-0.3%
Key facts: ICSH vs SHV
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ICSH yields 4.13% (current yield) and SHV yields 3.63% (current yield).
- ICSH's expense ratio is 0.08% and SHV's is 0.15%: $8 vs $15 a year on $10,000.
- From Dec 2013 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in ICSH grew to $13,465 (2.3% a year) and $10,000 in SHV to $12,676 (1.9% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -0.9% for ICSH and -0.3% for SHV.
- ICSH's income is mostly taxable by states, while SHV's is generally exempt from state income tax.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ICSH vs SHV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/icsh-vs-shv
$10,000 in each, Dec 2013 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
ICSH became
$13,465
2.3% a year
SHV became
$12,676
1.9% a year
Year by year
| Year | ICSH | SHV |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +5.0% | +4.2% |
| 2024 | +5.5% | +5.1% |
| 2023 | +5.6% | +5.0% |
| 2022 | +0.9% | +0.9% |
| 2021 | +0.2% | −0.1% |
| 2020 | +1.6% | +0.8% |
| 2019 | +3.1% | +2.4% |
| 2018 | +2.3% | +1.7% |
| 2017 | +1.6% | +0.7% |
| 2016 | +1.3% | +0.4% |
| 2015 | +0.2% | +0.0% |
| 2014 | +0.1% | +0.0% |
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.
- SHV · 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 →
ICSH vs SHV: questions
Is ICSH or SHV better?
It depends on the job. ICSH pays more today (4.13% vs 3.63%), ICSH costs less, and ICSH has the better total return over Dec 2013 to Oct 2026, with SHV 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 SHV?
ICSH, at 4.13% against 3.63% for SHV as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $413 vs $363 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
ICSH. From Dec 2013 to Oct 2026, it returned 2.3% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.9% for SHV. $10,000 became $13,465 vs $12,676.
Which is cheaper, ICSH or SHV?
ICSH, with a 0.08% expense ratio against 0.15%.
How are ICSH and SHV 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. SHV: 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. ICSH leads on 5 of 7 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.