SGOV vs SHY: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, SGOV yields more: 3.64% (current yield) against 3.61% for SHY. SGOV is cheaper to own at 0.09% a year vs 0.15%. Over the same 6 years (May 2020 to Oct 2026), SGOV returned 3.0% a year with distributions reinvested, and SHY 1.5%.
SGOViShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF3.64%current yield| Compared | SGOV | SHY |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 3.64% | 3.61% |
| Expense ratio | 0.09% | 0.15% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +3.7% | +2.1% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.5% | +4.1% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.8% | +2.0% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | — | +1.7% |
| Worst drop since May 2020 | -0.0% | -5.4% |
| Share price since May 2020 | +1% | −6% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | iShares |
| Assets | $116.8B | $27.4B |
| Started | 2020 | 2002 |
| Type | Treasury ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
SGOV
3.64%
Lower cost
SGOV
0.09%
Better total return
SGOV
3.0%/yr
Smaller worst drop
SGOV
-0.0%
Key facts: SGOV vs SHY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SGOV yields 3.64% (current yield) and SHY yields 3.61% (current yield).
- SGOV's expense ratio is 0.09% and SHY's is 0.15%: $9 vs $15 a year on $10,000.
- From May 2020 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in SGOV grew to $12,088 (3.0% a year) and $10,000 in SHY to $10,995 (1.5% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -0.0% for SGOV and -5.4% for SHY.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SGOV vs SHY: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/sgov-vs-shy
$10,000 in each, May 2020 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
SGOV became
$12,088
3.0% a year
SHY became
$10,995
1.5% a year
Year by year
| Year | SGOV | SHY |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.2% | +4.9% |
| 2024 | +5.3% | +3.9% |
| 2023 | +5.1% | +4.2% |
| 2022 | +1.6% | −3.9% |
| 2021 | +0.0% | −0.7% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- SGOV · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
- SHY · 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 →
SGOV vs SHY: questions
Is SGOV or SHY better?
It depends on the job. SGOV pays more today (3.64% vs 3.61%), SGOV costs less, and SGOV has the better total return over May 2020 to Oct 2026, with SGOV 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, SGOV or SHY?
SGOV, at 3.64% against 3.61% for SHY as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $364 vs $361 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
SGOV. From May 2020 to Oct 2026, it returned 3.0% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.5% for SHY. $10,000 became $12,088 vs $10,995.
Which is cheaper, SGOV or SHY?
SGOV, with a 0.09% expense ratio against 0.15%.
How are SGOV and SHY taxed?
SGOV: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). SHY: 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. SGOV leads on 6 of 6 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.