MBB vs. VABS
MBB (iShares MBS Bond ETF) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. MBB is passively managed, while VABS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MBB returned 0.21%/yr vs 3.24%/yr for VABS. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBB charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.
Performance
MBB vs. VABS - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MBB achieves a 0.02% return, which is significantly lower than VABS's 1.78% return.
MBB
- 1D
- -0.49%
- 1M
- -0.83%
- 6M
- -0.43%
- YTD
- 0.02%
- 1Y
- 4.79%
- 3Y*
- 4.12%
- 5Y*
- 0.21%
- 10Y*
- 1.19%
VABS
- 1D
- -0.06%
- 1M
- 0.06%
- 6M
- 1.59%
- YTD
- 1.78%
- 1Y
- 3.82%
- 3Y*
- 6.12%
- 5Y*
- 3.24%
- 10Y*
- —
MBB vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBB iShares MBS Bond ETF | 0.02% | 8.38% | 1.31% | 5.01% | -11.74% | -1.69% |
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF | 1.78% | 5.40% | 7.59% | 7.61% | -5.24% | 0.37% |
Correlation
The correlation between MBB and VABS is 0.61, 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 | 0.61 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.66 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.68 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 10, 2021 | 0.67 |
The correlation between MBB and VABS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MBB vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank
MBB
VABS
MBB vs. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MBS Bond ETF (MBB) 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.
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.
| MBB | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.89 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.12 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.19 | 1.44 | -0.24 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.63 | 3.90 | -2.27 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.97 | 10.19 | -5.23 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MBB vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MBB drawdown since its inception was -17.64%, which is greater than VABS's maximum drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBB and VABS.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MBB | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.64% | -7.12% | -10.52% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.94% | -0.98% | -1.96% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -7.59% | -1.42% | -6.17% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.19% | -7.12% | -10.07% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.64% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.06% | -0.25% | -1.81% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.34% | -1.39% | -0.95% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.97% | 0.38% | +0.59% |
Volatility
MBB vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison
iShares MBS Bond ETF (MBB) has a higher volatility of 1.44% compared to Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) at 0.38%. This indicates that MBB'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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MBB | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.44% | 0.38% | +1.06% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.44% | 1.07% | +2.37% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.43% | 1.95% | +2.48% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.84% | 2.30% | +4.54% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.33% | 2.23% | +3.10% |
MBB vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison
MBB has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.
Dividends
MBB vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison
MBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.32%, less than VABS's 5.07% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBB iShares MBS Bond ETF | 4.32% | 4.21% | 3.94% | 3.40% | 2.31% | 1.05% | 2.10% | 2.77% | 2.64% | 2.23% | 2.58% | 2.66% |
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF | 5.07% | 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
MBB and VABS have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MBB has higher volatility (1.44%) compared to VABS (0.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBB dropped -17.64% vs VABS's -7.12%.
On 5-year performance, VABS leads with 3.24% vs 0.21% for MBB. On fees, MBB is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VABS has been the lower-risk option at 0.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, VABS has performed better with a 3.24% return vs 0.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
MBB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VABS.
VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.07%, compared with 4.32% for MBB.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for MBB and 0.39% for VABS.
VABS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.09), 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.
Find the right allocation for MBB and VABS
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer