PMBS vs. VABS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PMBS (PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PMBS returned 6.63% vs 3.97% for VABS. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMBS charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.

Performance

PMBS vs. VABS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS) and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMBS achieves a 1.60% return, which is significantly lower than VABS's 1.82% return.

PMBS

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 1.48%
• 1Y: 6.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VABS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 1.82%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 3.97%
• 3Y*: 6.30%
• 5Y*: 3.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

PMBS vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PMBS PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund	1.60%	8.92%	-2.80%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.82%	5.40%	0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between PMBS and VABS is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2024	0.58

The correlation between PMBS and VABS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PMBS vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMBS

PMBS Risk / Return Rank: 52
PMBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
PMBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
PMBS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PMBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
PMBS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 74
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

PMBS vs. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS) and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS). 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.

	PMBS	VABS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.99	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.73	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.44	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	4.05	-1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.12	10.46	-3.33

PMBS vs. VABS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMBS Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the VABS Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMBS and VABS, 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

PMBS vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMBS drawdown since its inception was -4.35%, smaller than the maximum VABS drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMBS and VABS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMBS	VABS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-7.12%	+2.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.97%	-0.98%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-7.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.02%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.15%	-1.40%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.38%	+0.55%

Volatility

PMBS vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS) has a higher volatility of 1.36% compared to Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) at 0.38%. This indicates that PMBS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VABS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PMBS	VABS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	0.38%	+0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.24%	1.07%	+2.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.22%	2.01%	+2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.89%	2.30%	+2.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.89%	2.24%	+2.65%

PMBS vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMBS has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMBS vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison

PMBS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.95%, less than VABS's 5.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PMBS PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund	4.95%	4.73%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.06%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMBS and VABS in my portfolio?

PMBS and VABS have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMBS or VABS?

PMBS has higher volatility (1.36%) compared to VABS (0.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMBS dropped -4.35% vs VABS's -7.12%.

Which ETF is better, PMBS or VABS?

On 1-year performance, PMBS leads with 6.63% vs 3.97% for VABS. On fees, VABS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, VABS has been the lower-risk option at 0.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PMBS or VABS?

Over the 1-year period, PMBS has performed better with a 6.63% return vs 3.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMBS or VABS?

VABS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for PMBS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMBS or VABS?

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.06%, compared with 4.95% for PMBS.

What is the main difference between PMBS and VABS?

They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.71% for PMBS and 0.39% for VABS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VABS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.58), 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.