MBBA vs. SMBS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and SMBS (Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. MBBA is actively managed, while SMBS is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MBBA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SMBS.

Performance

MBBA vs. SMBS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

MBBA

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMBS

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 1.28%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 5.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MBBA vs. SMBS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.27%
SMBS Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF	0.91%

Correlation

The correlation between MBBA and SMBS is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2026	0.88

Return for Risk

MBBA vs. SMBS — 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.

SMBS

SMBS Risk / Return Rank: 44
SMBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SMBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SMBS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SMBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SMBS Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. SMBS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (SMBS). 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	SMBS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.39	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.04	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.02	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.50	—

Drawdowns

MBBA vs. SMBS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, smaller than the maximum SMBS drawdown of -3.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and SMBS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBBA	SMBS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-3.20%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-0.77%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-0.85%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.88%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MBBA	SMBS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.55%	4.14%	+0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.86%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.86%	-0.31%

MBBA vs. SMBS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBBA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SMBS's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MBBA vs. SMBS - Dividend Comparison

MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than SMBS's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.83%	0.00%	0.00%
SMBS Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF	5.14%	4.83%	0.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBBA and SMBS in my portfolio?

MBBA and SMBS have a correlation of 0.88, 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 SMBS?

On fees, SMBS is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBBA or SMBS?

SMBS is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for MBBA.

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

SMBS has the higher dividend yield at 5.14%, compared with 1.83% for MBBA.

What is the main difference between MBBA and SMBS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 0.03% for SMBS.