MBBA vs. ASEC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and ASEC (American Century Securitized Credit ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MBBA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for ASEC.

Performance

MBBA vs. ASEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and American Century Securitized Credit ETF (ASEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MBBA

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.57%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASEC

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MBBA vs. ASEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	0.26%
ASEC American Century Securitized Credit ETF	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between MBBA and ASEC is 0.16, 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 May 28, 2026	0.16

Return for Risk

MBBA vs. ASEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and American Century Securitized Credit ETF (ASEC). 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.

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

Drawdowns

MBBA vs. ASEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, which is greater than ASEC's maximum drawdown of -0.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and ASEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBBA	ASEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-0.46%	-2.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	-0.01%	-1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.10%	-0.18%	-0.92%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MBBA	ASEC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.60%	1.48%	+3.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.60%	1.48%	+3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.60%	1.48%	+3.12%

MBBA vs. ASEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBBA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than ASEC's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBBA vs. ASEC - Dividend Comparison

MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.21%, more than ASEC's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM
ASEC American Century Securitized Credit ETF	0.45%
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBBA and ASEC in my portfolio?

MBBA and ASEC have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MBBA or ASEC?

On fees, MBBA is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBBA or ASEC?

MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for ASEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MBBA or ASEC?

MBBA has the higher dividend yield at 2.21%, compared with 0.45% for ASEC.

What is the main difference between MBBA and ASEC?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and American Century. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 0.29% for ASEC.