MBOX vs. DBMF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MBOX (Freedom Day Dividend ETF) and DBMF (iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MBOX is a Dividend fund actively managed by EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC, while DBMF is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by iM Global Partners. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MBOX returned 12.11%/yr vs 7.97%/yr for DBMF. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MBOX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBMF.

Performance

MBOX vs. DBMF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MBOX achieves a 15.12% return, which is significantly higher than DBMF's 9.37% return.

MBOX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 15.12%
• 6M: 14.04%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.07%
• 5Y*: 12.11%
• 10Y*: —

DBMF

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 9.37%
• 6M: 8.47%
• 1Y: 26.10%
• 3Y*: 8.78%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

MBOX vs. DBMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	15.12%	8.72%	16.39%	15.84%	-4.32%	10.13%
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	9.37%	13.85%	7.24%	-8.94%	21.61%	1.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MBOX and DBMF 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	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2021	0.12

Over the past year, MBOX and DBMF have become more correlated (0.34) than their long-term average of 0.12, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

MBOX vs. DBMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBOX

MBOX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MBOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
MBOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
MBOX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
MBOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MBOX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

DBMF

DBMF Risk / Return Rank: 74
DBMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DBMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DBMF Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DBMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DBMF Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

MBOX vs. DBMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). 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.

	MBOX	DBMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.10	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.77	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.44	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.89	4.30	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	15.28	-2.49

MBOX vs. DBMF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MBOX Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the DBMF Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MBOX and DBMF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MBOX vs. DBMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBOX drawdown since its inception was -16.42%, smaller than the maximum DBMF drawdown of -20.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBOX and DBMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBOX	DBMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.42%	-20.39%	+3.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.75%	-6.10%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.37%	-15.60%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.42%	-20.39%	+3.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.30%	-2.71%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.43%	-6.55%	+3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	1.71%	+0.03%

Volatility

MBOX vs. DBMF - Volatility Comparison

Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) has a higher volatility of 3.42% compared to iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) at 3.11%. This indicates that MBOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBMF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MBOX	DBMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	3.11%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.95%	10.14%	-2.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.91%	12.47%	-1.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	12.53%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.43%	12.41%	+2.02%

MBOX vs. DBMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBOX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than DBMF's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBOX vs. DBMF - Dividend Comparison

MBOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, less than DBMF's 5.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.23%	5.91%	5.75%	2.91%	7.72%	10.38%	0.86%	9.35%
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	1.90%	1.94%	1.60%	2.13%	2.87%	1.17%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBOX and DBMF in my portfolio?

MBOX and DBMF 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, MBOX or DBMF?

MBOX has higher volatility (3.42%) compared to DBMF (3.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBOX dropped -16.42% vs DBMF's -20.39%.

Which ETF is better, MBOX or DBMF?

On 5-year performance, MBOX leads with 12.11% vs 7.97% for DBMF. On fees, MBOX is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DBMF has been the lower-risk option at 3.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MBOX or DBMF?

Over the 5-year period, MBOX has performed better with a 12.11% return vs 7.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBOX or DBMF?

MBOX is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBMF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MBOX or DBMF?

DBMF has the higher dividend yield at 5.23%, compared with 1.90% for MBOX.

What is the main difference between MBOX and DBMF?

MBOX is categorized as Dividend, while DBMF is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC and iM Global Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MBOX and 0.85% for DBMF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 2.05), 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.