RSBA vs. MNA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSBA (Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF) and MNA (IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSBA is a Leveraged Bonds fund actively managed by Return Stacked, while MNA is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the IQ Merger Arbitrage Index. RSBA is actively managed, while MNA is passively managed. Over the past year, RSBA returned 4.65% vs 3.69% for MNA. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSBA charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for MNA.

Performance

RSBA vs. MNA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) and IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSBA achieves a -0.30% return, which is significantly lower than MNA's 1.26% return.

RSBA

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: -0.30%
• 6M: -0.66%
• 1Y: 4.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MNA

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.17%
• 1Y: 3.69%
• 3Y*: 5.62%
• 5Y*: 1.74%
• 10Y*: 2.67%

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

RSBA vs. MNA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSBA Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF	-0.30%	7.73%	-0.04%
MNA IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	8.59%	0.49%

Correlation

The correlation between RSBA and MNA is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.24

The correlation between RSBA and MNA shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RSBA vs. MNA — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSBA

RSBA Risk / Return Rank: 30
RSBA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
RSBA Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
RSBA Omega Ratio Rank: 26
RSBA Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
RSBA Martin Ratio Rank: 32

MNA

MNA Risk / Return Rank: 32
MNA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
MNA Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MNA Omega Ratio Rank: 21
MNA Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MNA Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

RSBA vs. MNA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) and IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA). 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.

	RSBA	MNA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	0.78	+0.24
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	1.17	+0.35
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.14	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	2.65	-0.95
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	6.64	-1.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSBA vs. MNA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSBA Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is higher than the MNA Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSBA and MNA, 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

	RSBA	MNA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.02	0.78	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	0.36	+0.64

Drawdowns

RSBA vs. MNA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSBA drawdown since its inception was -2.83%, smaller than the maximum MNA drawdown of -16.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSBA and MNA.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSBA	MNA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.83%	-16.68%	+13.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.74%	-1.40%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.01%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.45%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-16.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-1.06%	-0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.81%	-2.83%	+2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.99%	0.56%	+0.43%

Volatility

RSBA vs. MNA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is 1.37%, while IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA) has a volatility of 1.85%. This indicates that RSBA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MNA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSBA	MNA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.37%	1.85%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.27%	3.56%	-0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.59%	4.74%	-0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.08%	4.99%	+0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.08%	6.55%	-1.47%

RSBA vs. MNA - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSBA has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than MNA's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSBA vs. MNA - Dividend Comparison

RSBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, while MNA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MNA IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.87%
RSBA Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF	3.38%	3.37%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSBA and MNA in my portfolio?

RSBA and MNA have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSBA or MNA?

MNA has higher volatility (1.85%) compared to RSBA (1.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSBA dropped -2.83% vs MNA's -16.68%.

Which ETF is better, RSBA or MNA?

On 1-year performance, RSBA leads with 4.65% vs 3.69% for MNA. On fees, MNA is cheaper at 0.77% per year. On volatility, RSBA has been the lower-risk option at 1.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSBA or MNA?

Over the 1-year period, RSBA has performed better with a 4.65% return vs 3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSBA or MNA?

MNA is cheaper with a 0.77% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for RSBA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSBA or MNA?

RSBA has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 0.00% for MNA.

What is the main difference between RSBA and MNA?

RSBA is categorized as Leveraged Bonds, while MNA is Hedge Fund. They also come from different issuers: Return Stacked and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for RSBA and 0.77% for MNA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSBA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.02 vs 0.78), 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.