MBBA vs. VABS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBBA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.

Performance

MBBA vs. VABS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

MBBA

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VABS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: 3.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

MBBA vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	0.64%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.06%

Correlation

The correlation between MBBA and VABS is 0.72, 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 27, 2026	0.72

Return for Risk

MBBA vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 69
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MBBA	VABS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	1.40	-1.00

Drawdowns

MBBA vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, smaller than the maximum VABS drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBBA and VABS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBBA	VABS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-7.12%	+4.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.98%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-7.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-0.14%	-1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-1.42%	+0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MBBA	VABS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.07%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.66%	2.04%	+2.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.66%	2.30%	+2.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.66%	2.24%	+2.42%

MBBA vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBBA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBBA vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison

MBBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than VABS's 5.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.18%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBBA and VABS in my portfolio?

MBBA and VABS have a correlation of 0.72, 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 VABS?

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 VABS?

MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VABS.

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

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.18%, compared with 1.84% for MBBA.

What is the main difference between MBBA and VABS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 0.39% for VABS.