JABS vs. JSML

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JABS (Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF) and JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JABS is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Janus Henderson, while JSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index. JABS is actively managed, while JSML is passively managed. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JABS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for JSML.

Performance

JABS vs. JSML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF (JABS) and Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JABS achieves a 1.32% return, which is significantly lower than JSML's 23.76% return.

JABS

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.32%
• 6M: 1.50%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JSML

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: 7.36%
• YTD: 23.76%
• 6M: 20.73%
• 1Y: 38.96%
• 3Y*: 19.76%
• 5Y*: 6.64%
• 10Y*: 13.59%

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

JABS vs. JSML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JABS Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF	1.32%	2.49%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	23.76%	9.37%

Correlation

The correlation between JABS and JSML is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.11

Return for Risk

JABS vs. JSML — Risk / Return Rank

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

JABS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 55
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 50
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

JABS vs. JSML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF (JABS) and Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	JABS	JSML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.76	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.41	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.64	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.34	—

Drawdowns

JABS vs. JSML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JABS drawdown since its inception was -0.97%, smaller than the maximum JSML drawdown of -39.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JABS and JSML.

Drawdown Indicators

	JABS	JSML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.97%	-39.65%	+38.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.84%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.60%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-37.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-1.54%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-10.81%	+10.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.18%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JABS	JSML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98%	22.28%	-20.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.98%	24.51%	-22.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.98%	24.32%	-22.34%

JABS vs. JSML - Expense Ratio Comparison

JABS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than JSML's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

JABS vs. JSML - Dividend Comparison

JABS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, more than JSML's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JABS Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF	4.19%	2.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.77%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JABS and JSML in my portfolio?

JABS and JSML have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JABS or JSML?

On fees, JSML is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JABS or JSML?

JSML is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for JABS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JABS or JSML?

JABS has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 0.77% for JSML.

What is the main difference between JABS and JSML?

JABS is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while JSML is Small Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for JABS and 0.30% for JSML.