EVSB vs. NUSB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EVSB (Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF) and NUSB (Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EVSB returned 4.71% vs 4.32% for NUSB. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.17% expense ratio.

Performance

EVSB vs. NUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF (EVSB) and Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EVSB achieves a 1.66% return, which is significantly higher than NUSB's 1.52% return.

EVSB

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 1.66%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.52%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 4.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EVSB vs. NUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EVSB Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF	1.66%	5.12%	4.99%
NUSB Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF	1.52%	4.71%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EVSB and NUSB is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2024	0.24

Return for Risk

EVSB vs. NUSB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EVSB

EVSB Risk / Return Rank: 99
EVSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
EVSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
EVSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
EVSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
EVSB Martin Ratio Rank: 99

NUSB

NUSB Risk / Return Rank: 100
NUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
NUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 100

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EVSB vs. NUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF (EVSB) and Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	EVSB	NUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.11	11.80	-5.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	10.72	32.55	-21.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.76	9.19	-6.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	18.60	72.98	-54.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	109.03	397.82	-288.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EVSB vs. NUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EVSB Sharpe Ratio is 6.11, which is lower than the NUSB Sharpe Ratio of 11.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EVSB and NUSB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EVSB	NUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.11	11.80	-5.68
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	6.94	12.54	-5.60

Drawdowns

EVSB vs. NUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EVSB drawdown since its inception was -0.31%, which is greater than NUSB's maximum drawdown of -0.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EVSB and NUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EVSB	NUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-0.16%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.25%	-0.06%	-0.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	0.00%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.02%	-0.00%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.04%	0.01%	+0.03%

Volatility

EVSB vs. NUSB - Volatility Comparison

Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF (EVSB) has a higher volatility of 0.19% compared to Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB) at 0.09%. This indicates that EVSB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NUSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EVSB	NUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.19%	0.09%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.51%	0.23%	+0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77%	0.37%	+0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.82%	0.39%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.82%	0.39%	+0.43%

EVSB vs. NUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EVSB and NUSB have an expense ratio of 0.17%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EVSB vs. NUSB - Dividend Comparison

EVSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, more than NUSB's 4.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EVSB Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF	4.63%	4.63%	5.18%	1.21%
NUSB Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF	4.30%	4.51%	3.61%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EVSB and NUSB in my portfolio?

EVSB and NUSB have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EVSB or NUSB?

EVSB has higher volatility (0.19%) compared to NUSB (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EVSB dropped -0.31% vs NUSB's -0.16%.

Which ETF is better, EVSB or NUSB?

On 1-year performance, EVSB leads with 4.71% vs 4.32% for NUSB. Both ETFs have the same 0.17% expense ratio. On volatility, NUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EVSB or NUSB?

Over the 1-year period, EVSB has performed better with a 4.71% return vs 4.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EVSB or NUSB?

EVSB and NUSB have the same expense ratio: 0.17% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EVSB or NUSB?

EVSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.63%, compared with 4.30% for NUSB.

What is the main difference between EVSB and NUSB?

They also come from different issuers: Eaton Vance and Nuveen.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.80 vs 6.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.