JAAA vs. VNLA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JAAA (Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF) and VNLA (Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JAAA is a CLO fund actively managed by Janus Henderson, while VNLA is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the FTSE 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. JAAA is actively managed, while VNLA is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JAAA returned 4.79%/yr vs 3.79%/yr for VNLA. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JAAA charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for VNLA.

Performance

JAAA vs. VNLA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) and Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JAAA achieves a 1.87% return, which is significantly higher than VNLA's 1.43% return.

JAAA

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 1.87%
• 6M: 2.45%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 6.71%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

VNLA

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 1.85%
• 1Y: 4.75%
• 3Y*: 5.76%
• 5Y*: 3.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

JAAA vs. VNLA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
JAAA Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF	1.87%	5.16%	7.43%	8.59%	0.49%	1.39%	0.79%
VNLA Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF	1.43%	5.45%	6.41%	6.09%	-0.17%	-0.18%	0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between JAAA and VNLA is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.12
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2020	0.14

Return for Risk

JAAA vs. VNLA — Risk / Return Rank

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

JAAA

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

VNLA

VNLA Risk / Return Rank: 98
VNLA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VNLA Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VNLA Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VNLA Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
VNLA Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

JAAA vs. VNLA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) and Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA). 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.

	JAAA	VNLA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	5.98	7.55	-1.56
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	10.04	15.48	-5.44
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.69	3.58	-0.89
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	13.07	11.15	+1.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	70.18	57.27	+12.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JAAA vs. VNLA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JAAA Sharpe Ratio is 5.98, which is comparable to the VNLA Sharpe Ratio of 7.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JAAA and VNLA, 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

	JAAA	VNLA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.98	7.55	-1.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	2.87	3.66	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.77	2.10	+0.68

Drawdowns

JAAA vs. VNLA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JAAA drawdown since its inception was -2.64%, smaller than the maximum VNLA drawdown of -4.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JAAA and VNLA.

Drawdown Indicators

	JAAA	VNLA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-4.49%	+1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.39%	-0.43%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.46%	-0.49%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-2.64%	-1.76%	-0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.02%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.25%	-0.23%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.07%	0.08%	-0.01%

Volatility

JAAA vs. VNLA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) is 0.13%, while Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA) has a volatility of 0.18%. This indicates that JAAA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNLA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JAAA	VNLA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.13%	0.18%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.64%	0.46%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85%	0.63%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.68%	1.04%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.64%	1.42%	+0.22%

JAAA vs. VNLA - Expense Ratio Comparison

JAAA has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is lower than VNLA's 0.23% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

JAAA vs. VNLA - Dividend Comparison

JAAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.00%, more than VNLA's 4.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JAAA Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF	5.00%	5.30%	6.35%	6.11%	2.74%	1.21%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNLA Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF	4.78%	4.84%	4.97%	3.95%	4.35%	1.67%	1.21%	3.13%	2.43%	1.79%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JAAA and VNLA in my portfolio?

JAAA and VNLA have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JAAA or VNLA?

VNLA has higher volatility (0.18%) compared to JAAA (0.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JAAA dropped -2.64% vs VNLA's -4.49%.

Which ETF is better, JAAA or VNLA?

On 5-year performance, JAAA leads with 4.79% vs 3.79% for VNLA. On fees, JAAA is cheaper at 0.21% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JAAA or VNLA?

Over the 5-year period, JAAA has performed better with a 4.79% return vs 3.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JAAA or VNLA?

JAAA is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for VNLA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JAAA or VNLA?

JAAA has the higher dividend yield at 5.00%, compared with 4.78% for VNLA.

What is the main difference between JAAA and VNLA?

JAAA is categorized as CLO, while VNLA is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.21% for JAAA and 0.23% for VNLA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VNLA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (7.55 vs 5.98), 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.