MBBA vs. VABS
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 0.67 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
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Returns By Period
MBBA
- 1D
- 0.38%
- 1M
- 1.26%
- YTD
- —
- 6M
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VABS
- 1D
- 0.12%
- 1M
- 0.58%
- YTD
- 1.82%
- 6M
- 1.89%
- 1Y
- 3.97%
- 3Y*
- 6.30%
- 5Y*
- 3.31%
- 10Y*
- —
MBBA vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF | 1.27% |
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF | 1.54% |
Correlation
The correlation between MBBA and VABS 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 |
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Return for Risk
MBBA vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank
MBBA
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VABS
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.
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 | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.44 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 4.05 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 10.46 | — |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MBBA | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest 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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.72% | -0.02% | -0.70% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.12% | -1.40% | +0.28% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 0.38% | — |
Volatility
MBBA vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| MBBA | VABS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 0.38% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 1.07% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.55% | 2.01% | +2.54% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.55% | 2.30% | +2.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.55% | 2.24% | +2.31% |
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 1.83%, less than VABS's 5.06% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF | 1.83% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF | 5.06% | 4.94% | 5.05% | 4.13% | 2.47% | 1.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MBBA and VABS 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.
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.
MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VABS.
VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.06%, compared with 1.83% for MBBA.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for MBBA and 0.39% for VABS.
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