MBNE vs. SUB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MBNE (SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF) and SUB (iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. MBNE is actively managed, while SUB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MBNE returned 2.95%/yr vs 3.13%/yr for SUB. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBNE charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SUB.

Performance

MBNE vs. SUB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF (MBNE) and iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MBNE achieves a 0.84% return, which is significantly higher than SUB's 0.79% return.

MBNE

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 0.84%
• 6M: 0.94%
• 1Y: 4.70%
• 3Y*: 2.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SUB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 1.24%
• 1Y: 3.07%
• 3Y*: 3.13%
• 5Y*: 1.46%
• 10Y*: 1.49%

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

MBNE vs. SUB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MBNE SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF	0.84%	2.45%	1.27%	5.82%	-0.71%
SUB iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF	0.79%	3.64%	2.17%	2.91%	0.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MBNE and SUB is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2022	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between MBNE and SUB has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MBNE vs. SUB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBNE

MBNE Risk / Return Rank: 50
MBNE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MBNE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
MBNE Omega Ratio Rank: 59
MBNE Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MBNE Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SUB

SUB Risk / Return Rank: 83
SUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SUB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SUB 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.

MBNE vs. SUB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF (MBNE) and iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB). 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.

	MBNE	SUB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	3.08	-1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	4.46	-2.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.68	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	3.82	-1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.16	10.82	-3.66
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MBNE vs. SUB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MBNE Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is lower than the SUB Sharpe Ratio of 3.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MBNE and SUB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MBNE	SUB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	3.08	-1.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.42	+0.20

Drawdowns

MBNE vs. SUB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBNE drawdown since its inception was -6.19%, smaller than the maximum SUB drawdown of -9.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBNE and SUB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBNE	SUB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.19%	-9.46%	+3.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.02%	-0.81%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.98%	-1.23%	-3.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-4.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-9.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.11%	-0.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-0.92%	-0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	0.28%	+0.38%

Volatility

MBNE vs. SUB - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF (MBNE) has a higher volatility of 0.33% compared to iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB) at 0.28%. This indicates that MBNE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SUB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MBNE	SUB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.33%	0.28%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.97%	0.79%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.85%	1.00%	+1.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.70%	1.64%	+2.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.70%	2.59%	+1.11%

MBNE vs. SUB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBNE has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than SUB's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBNE vs. SUB - Dividend Comparison

MBNE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, more than SUB's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MBNE SPDR Nuveen Municipal Bond ESG ETF	3.15%	3.63%	3.32%	3.01%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SUB iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF	2.53%	2.42%	2.10%	1.73%	0.86%	0.72%	1.23%	1.58%	1.32%	0.95%	0.75%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBNE and SUB in my portfolio?

MBNE and SUB have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MBNE or SUB?

MBNE has higher volatility (0.33%) compared to SUB (0.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBNE dropped -6.19% vs SUB's -9.46%.

Which ETF is better, MBNE or SUB?

On 3-year performance, SUB leads with 3.13% vs 2.95% for MBNE. On fees, SUB is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MBNE or SUB?

Over the 3-year period, SUB has performed better with a 3.13% return vs 2.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBNE or SUB?

SUB is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for MBNE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MBNE or SUB?

MBNE has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 2.53% for SUB.

What is the main difference between MBNE and SUB?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for MBNE and 0.07% for SUB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.08 vs 1.67), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.