LMBS vs. VABS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LMBS (First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, LMBS returned 3.03%/yr vs 3.22%/yr for VABS. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LMBS charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.

Performance

LMBS vs. VABS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF (LMBS) and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LMBS achieves a 1.24% return, which is significantly lower than VABS's 1.39% return.

LMBS

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 1.24%
• 6M: 1.47%
• 1Y: 6.09%
• 3Y*: 5.73%
• 5Y*: 3.03%
• 10Y*: 2.67%

VABS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: 3.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

LMBS vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
LMBS First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF	1.24%	7.05%	5.15%	6.10%	-3.07%	-1.26%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.39%	5.40%	7.59%	7.61%	-5.24%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between LMBS and VABS is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2021	0.57

The correlation between LMBS and VABS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LMBS vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank

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

LMBS

LMBS Risk / Return Rank: 88
LMBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
LMBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
LMBS Omega Ratio Rank: 92
LMBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
LMBS Martin Ratio Rank: 86

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 69
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

LMBS vs. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF (LMBS) and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS). 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.

	LMBS	VABS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	2.10	+1.00
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.79	2.88	+1.91
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.46	+0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.28	4.34	-0.07
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	18.25	11.20	+7.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LMBS vs. VABS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LMBS Sharpe Ratio is 3.10, which is higher than the VABS Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LMBS and VABS, 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

	LMBS	VABS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.10	2.10	+1.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.19	1.41	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.14	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.13	1.40	-0.27

Drawdowns

LMBS vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LMBS drawdown since its inception was -6.49%, smaller than the maximum VABS drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LMBS and VABS.

Drawdown Indicators

	LMBS	VABS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-7.12%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.43%	-0.98%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.72%	-1.42%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-6.12%	-7.12%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-6.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.14%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-1.42%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.38%	-0.05%

Volatility

LMBS vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF (LMBS) has a higher volatility of 0.68% compared to Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) at 0.40%. This indicates that LMBS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VABS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LMBS	VABS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.68%	0.40%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.45%	1.07%	+0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97%	2.04%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.56%	2.30%	+0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.36%	2.24%	+0.12%

LMBS vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison

LMBS has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

LMBS vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison

LMBS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.10%, less than VABS's 5.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMBS First Trust Low Duration Mortgage Opportunities ETF	4.10%	4.08%	4.28%	3.96%	2.22%	2.04%	2.27%	2.55%	2.76%	2.73%	2.84%	3.03%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.18%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LMBS and VABS in my portfolio?

LMBS and VABS have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LMBS or VABS?

LMBS has higher volatility (0.68%) compared to VABS (0.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LMBS dropped -6.49% vs VABS's -7.12%.

Which ETF is better, LMBS or VABS?

On 5-year performance, VABS leads with 3.22% vs 3.03% for LMBS. On fees, VABS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, VABS has been the lower-risk option at 0.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LMBS or VABS?

Over the 5-year period, VABS has performed better with a 3.22% return vs 3.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LMBS or VABS?

VABS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for LMBS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LMBS or VABS?

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.18%, compared with 4.10% for LMBS.

What is the main difference between LMBS and VABS?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for LMBS and 0.39% for VABS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LMBS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 2.10), 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.