MBBA vs. CMBS
MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and CMBS (iShares CMBS ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds from iShares. MBBA is actively managed, while CMBS is passively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.
Performance
MBBA vs. CMBS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
MBBA
- 1D
- 0.38%
- 1M
- 1.26%
- YTD
- —
- 6M
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
CMBS
- 1D
- 0.12%
- 1M
- 0.56%
- YTD
- 0.51%
- 6M
- 0.47%
- 1Y
- 3.81%
- 3Y*
- 5.36%
- 5Y*
- 0.81%
- 10Y*
- 2.04%
MBBA vs. CMBS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF | 1.27% |
CMBS iShares CMBS ETF | 0.33% |
Correlation
The correlation between MBBA and CMBS is 0.42, 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 Jan 26, 2026 | 0.42 |
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Return for Risk
MBBA vs. CMBS — Risk / Return Rank
MBBA
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
CMBS
MBBA vs. CMBS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and iShares CMBS ETF (CMBS). 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.
| MBBA | CMBS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.18 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 1.57 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 4.05 | — |
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Drawdowns
MBBA vs. CMBS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, smaller than the maximum CMBS drawdown of -15.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and CMBS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MBBA | CMBS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -2.83% | -15.87% | +13.04% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -2.44% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -3.29% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -15.87% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -15.87% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.72% | -1.40% | +0.68% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.12% | -2.95% | +1.83% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 0.94% | — |
Volatility
MBBA vs. CMBS - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| MBBA | CMBS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 1.26% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 2.85% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.55% | 3.66% | +0.89% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.55% | 5.32% | -0.77% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.55% | 5.76% | -1.21% |
MBBA vs. CMBS - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both MBBA and CMBS have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
MBBA vs. CMBS - Dividend Comparison
MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than CMBS's 3.57% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CMBS iShares CMBS ETF | 3.57% | 3.45% | 3.31% | 2.97% | 2.65% | 2.46% | 2.83% | 2.74% | 2.70% | 2.50% | 2.29% | 2.31% |
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF | 1.83% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MBBA and CMBS have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
MBBA and CMBS have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.
CMBS has the higher dividend yield at 3.57%, compared with 1.83% for MBBA.
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