NSI vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NSI (National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NSI is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone. NSI is passively managed, while BAMU is actively managed. Over the past year, NSI returned 42.48% vs 2.93% for BAMU. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. NSI charges 1.00%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

NSI vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSI achieves a 17.45% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.06% return.

NSI

• 1D: -1.59%
• 1M: 3.72%
• YTD: 17.45%
• 6M: 19.18%
• 1Y: 42.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BAMU

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 2.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSI vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	17.45%	35.94%	-1.21%	4.68%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.06%	3.21%	4.14%	0.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NSI and BAMU is -0.12, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	-0.04

NSI vs. BAMU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NSI	BAMU
Technology	34.0%	-
Financial Services	20.2%	98.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	-
Communication Services	10.1%	-
Basic Materials	8.0%	-
Energy	3.9%	-
Industrials	2.9%	-
Healthcare	2.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	-
Utilities	1.5%	-
Real Estate	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

NSI vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSI

NSI Risk / Return Rank: 67
NSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
NSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
NSI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
NSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NSI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 98
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

NSI vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	NSI	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	4.98	-2.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	8.77	-5.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	2.41	-1.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	24.89	-21.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.55	97.89	-86.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSI vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSI Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is lower than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 4.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSI and BAMU, 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

	NSI	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	4.98	-2.67
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	4.14	-2.91

Drawdowns

NSI vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSI drawdown since its inception was -18.77%, which is greater than BAMU's maximum drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSI and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSI	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.77%	-0.36%	-18.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	-0.12%	-13.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	0.00%	-1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-0.02%	-3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	0.03%	+3.66%

Volatility

NSI vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) has a higher volatility of 7.13% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.07%. This indicates that NSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSI	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.13%	0.07%	+7.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.60%	0.43%	+15.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.51%	0.59%	+17.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	0.87%	+17.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	0.87%	+17.35%

NSI vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSI has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSI vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

NSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than BAMU's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.06%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	1.17%	1.69%	3.39%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSI and BAMU in my portfolio?

NSI and BAMU have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSI or BAMU?

NSI has higher volatility (7.13%) compared to BAMU (0.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSI dropped -18.77% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, NSI or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, NSI leads with 42.48% vs 2.93% for BAMU. On fees, NSI is cheaper at 1.00% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSI or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, NSI has performed better with a 42.48% return vs 2.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSI or BAMU?

NSI is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSI or BAMU?

BAMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.06%, compared with 1.17% for NSI.

What is the main difference between NSI and BAMU?

NSI is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while BAMU is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Tuttle and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for NSI and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.98 vs 2.31), 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.