NBTR vs. BESF

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NBTR (Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF) and BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NBTR is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Neuberger, while BESF is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Bastion. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NBTR returned 5.50% vs 70.53% for BESF. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. NBTR charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for BESF.

Performance

NBTR vs. BESF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBTR achieves a 0.54% return, which is significantly lower than BESF's 20.81% return.

NBTR

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.54%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 5.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BESF

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -2.39%
• YTD: 20.81%
• 6M: 20.48%
• 1Y: 70.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NBTR vs. BESF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	0.54%	4.93%
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	20.81%	41.15%

Correlation

The correlation between NBTR and BESF is -0.16, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	-0.16

Return for Risk

NBTR vs. BESF — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBTR

NBTR Risk / Return Rank: 45
NBTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NBTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NBTR Omega Ratio Rank: 45
NBTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
NBTR Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

NBTR vs. BESF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF (NBTR) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). 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.

	NBTR	BESF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.17	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.80	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NBTR	BESF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.57	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.40	2.92	-1.52

Drawdowns

NBTR vs. BESF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBTR drawdown since its inception was -2.58%, smaller than the maximum BESF drawdown of -9.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBTR and BESF.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBTR	BESF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-9.89%	+7.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.54%	-9.89%	+7.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-5.04%	+3.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.59%	-2.46%	+1.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.81%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NBTR	BESF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.18%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.60%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.55%	24.29%	-20.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.09%	24.29%	-20.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.09%	24.29%	-20.20%

NBTR vs. BESF - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBTR has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is lower than BESF's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBTR vs. BESF - Dividend Comparison

NBTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.58%, which matches BESF's 5.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.63%	6.39%
NBTR Neuberger Total Return Bond ETF	5.58%	5.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBTR and BESF in my portfolio?

NBTR and BESF have a correlation of -0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NBTR or BESF?

On 1-year performance, BESF leads with 70.53% vs 5.50% for NBTR. On fees, NBTR is cheaper at 0.37% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBTR or BESF?

Over the 1-year period, BESF has performed better with a 70.53% return vs 5.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBTR or BESF?

NBTR is cheaper with a 0.37% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BESF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBTR or BESF?

BESF has the higher dividend yield at 5.63%, compared with 5.58% for NBTR.

What is the main difference between NBTR and BESF?

NBTR is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while BESF is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Neuberger and Bastion. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for NBTR and 0.80% for BESF.