MBBA vs. NSCI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and NSCI (Nuveen Securitized Income ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBBA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for NSCI.

Performance

MBBA vs. NSCI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

MBBA

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NSCI

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 1.92%
• 6M: 2.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MBBA vs. NSCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	0.86%
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	1.64%

Correlation

The correlation between MBBA and NSCI is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2026	0.67

Return for Risk

MBBA vs. NSCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and Nuveen Securitized Income ETF (NSCI). 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. NSCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, which is greater than NSCI's maximum drawdown of -1.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and NSCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBBA	NSCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-1.10%	-1.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-0.16%	-0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-0.18%	-0.94%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MBBA	NSCI	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.56%	1.30%	+3.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.56%	1.30%	+3.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.56%	1.30%	+3.26%

MBBA vs. NSCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBBA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than NSCI's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBBA vs. NSCI - Dividend Comparison

MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than NSCI's 3.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.84%	0.00%
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	3.04%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBBA and NSCI in my portfolio?

MBBA and NSCI have a correlation of 0.67, 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 NSCI?

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 NSCI?

MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for NSCI.

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

NSCI has the higher dividend yield at 3.04%, compared with 1.84% for MBBA.

What is the main difference between MBBA and NSCI?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 0.38% for NSCI.