NSCI vs. MBBA

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

NSCI (Nuveen Securitized Income ETF) and MBBA (iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSCI charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for MBBA.

Performance

NSCI vs. MBBA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Securitized Income ETF (NSCI) and iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NSCI

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 6M: 2.31%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MBBA

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSCI vs. MBBA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	1.92%
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between NSCI and MBBA 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

Return for Risk

NSCI vs. MBBA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Securitized Income ETF (NSCI) and iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

NSCI vs. MBBA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSCI drawdown since its inception was -1.10%, smaller than the maximum MBBA drawdown of -2.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSCI and MBBA.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSCI	MBBA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.10%	-2.83%	+1.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.42%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-1.10%	+0.93%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NSCI	MBBA	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.30%	4.55%	-3.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.30%	4.55%	-3.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.30%	4.55%	-3.25%

NSCI vs. MBBA - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSCI has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than MBBA's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSCI vs. MBBA - Dividend Comparison

NSCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.04%, more than MBBA's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MBBA iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF	1.82%	0.00%
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	3.04%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSCI and MBBA in my portfolio?

NSCI and MBBA 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.

Which ETF is better, NSCI or MBBA?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSCI or MBBA?

MBBA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for NSCI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSCI or MBBA?

NSCI has the higher dividend yield at 3.04%, compared with 1.82% for MBBA.

What is the main difference between NSCI and MBBA?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for NSCI and 0.25% for MBBA.