MBBA vs. LALT

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and LALT (First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MBBA is a Mortgage Backed Securities fund actively managed by iShares, while LALT is a Global Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. MBBA charges 0.25%/yr vs 1.94%/yr for LALT.

Performance

MBBA vs. LALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MBBA

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.18%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LALT

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 8.95%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: 9.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MBBA vs. LALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.19%
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between MBBA and LALT is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2026	-0.09

Return for Risk

MBBA vs. LALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBBA

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

LALT

LALT Risk / Return Rank: 89
LALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
LALT Omega Ratio Rank: 87
LALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
LALT Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

MBBA vs. LALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT). 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	LALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.62	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.64	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.50	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.42	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	21.65	—

Drawdowns

MBBA vs. LALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, smaller than the maximum LALT drawdown of -6.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and LALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBBA	LALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-6.97%	+4.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.87%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-2.59%	+1.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-0.99%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MBBA	LALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.93%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.55%	7.04%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	5.82%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	5.82%	-1.27%

MBBA vs. LALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBBA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than LALT's 1.94% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBBA vs. LALT - Dividend Comparison

MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than LALT's 3.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	3.75%	2.03%	2.06%	2.44%
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBBA and LALT in my portfolio?

MBBA and LALT have a correlation of -0.09, 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 LALT?

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 LALT?

MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.94% for LALT.

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

LALT has the higher dividend yield at 3.75%, compared with 1.83% for MBBA.

What is the main difference between MBBA and LALT?

MBBA is categorized as Mortgage Backed Securities, while LALT is Global Allocation. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 1.94% for LALT.