NFLT vs. UTES
NFLT (Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF) and UTES (Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NFLT is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while UTES is a Utilities Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, NFLT returned 3.83%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for UTES. Their 0.19 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. NFLT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for UTES.
Performance
NFLT vs. UTES - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NFLT achieves a 1.48% return, which is significantly higher than UTES's -1.07% return. Over the past 10 years, NFLT has underperformed UTES with an annualized return of 3.83%, while UTES has yielded a comparatively higher 11.78% annualized return.
NFLT
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -0.58%
- 6M
- 0.73%
- YTD
- 1.48%
- 1Y
- 4.92%
- 3Y*
- 6.96%
- 5Y*
- 2.99%
- 10Y*
- 3.83%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.02%
UTES
- 1D
- -0.03%
- 1M
- -4.28%
- 6M
- 0.59%
- YTD
- -1.07%
- 1Y
- -3.98%
- 3Y*
- 21.10%
- 5Y*
- 14.97%
- 10Y*
- 11.78%
- ALL TIME*
- 13.50%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.33M | $1.94M | $2.09M | |
| $11.16M | $10.04M | $13.72M |
NFLT vs. UTES - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF | 1.48% | 8.77% | 6.05% | 9.16% | -9.49% | 1.18% | 8.02% | 10.13% | -2.68% | 6.30% |
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF | -1.07% | 25.71% | 45.35% | -2.46% | 0.80% | 20.74% | -0.30% | 25.48% | 5.14% | 14.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between NFLT and UTES is 0.24, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.24 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.21 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.24 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.20 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2015 | 0.19 |
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Return for Risk
NFLT vs. UTES — Risk / Return Rank
NFLT
UTES
NFLT vs. UTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES). 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.
| NFLT | UTES | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.52 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.07 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 0.98 | +0.26 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.22 | -0.31 | +2.53 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.06 | -0.65 | +9.71 |
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Drawdowns
NFLT vs. UTES - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NFLT drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum UTES drawdown of -35.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFLT and UTES.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NFLT | UTES | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -15.17% | -35.39% | +20.22% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.42% | -13.88% | +11.46% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -3.15% | -17.62% | +14.47% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -13.42% | -20.40% | +6.98% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -15.17% | -35.39% | +20.22% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.92% | -10.30% | +9.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.08% | -5.54% | +3.46% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.59% | 6.72% | -6.13% |
Volatility
NFLT vs. UTES - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is 0.97%, while Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that NFLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| NFLT | UTES | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.97% | 5.50% | -4.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.19% | 16.19% | -13.00% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.06% | 21.39% | -17.33% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.49% | 20.74% | -16.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.92% | 20.26% | -15.34% |
NFLT vs. UTES - Expense Ratio Comparison
NFLT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than UTES's 0.49% expense ratio.
Dividends
NFLT vs. UTES - Dividend Comparison
NFLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.48%, more than UTES's 1.53% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF | 5.48% | 5.74% | 5.76% | 6.02% | 4.16% | 3.41% | 3.63% | 4.33% | 4.81% | 6.23% | 5.30% | 0.67% |
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF | 1.53% | 1.42% | 1.51% | 2.44% | 2.13% | 1.94% | 2.09% | 1.84% | 2.09% | 3.44% | 3.53% | 0.61% |
Frequently Asked Questions
NFLT and UTES have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
UTES has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to NFLT (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFLT dropped -15.17% vs UTES's -35.39%.
On 10-year performance, UTES leads with 11.78% vs 3.83% for NFLT. On fees, UTES is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, NFLT has been the lower-risk option at 0.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, UTES has performed better with a 11.78% return vs 3.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
UTES is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for NFLT.
NFLT has the higher dividend yield at 5.48%, compared with 1.53% for UTES.
NFLT is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while UTES is Utilities Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NFLT and 0.49% for UTES.
NFLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs -0.20), 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.
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