USML vs. MVRL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

USML (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN) and MVRL (ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - USML is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while MVRL is a REIT fund tracking the MVIS US Mortgage REITs Index (150%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USML returned 8.67%/yr vs -8.17%/yr for MVRL. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

USML vs. MVRL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN (MVRL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USML achieves a 4.25% return, which is significantly higher than MVRL's -3.17% return.

USML

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 4.25%
• 6M: 4.48%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: 16.76%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: —

MVRL

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -8.77%
• YTD: -3.17%
• 6M: -2.49%
• 1Y: 17.55%
• 3Y*: 7.91%
• 5Y*: -8.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

USML vs. MVRL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	4.25%	9.33%	23.97%	11.37%	-22.87%	42.12%
MVRL ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN	-3.17%	14.96%	-3.45%	12.30%	-42.41%	14.07%

Correlation

The correlation between USML and MVRL is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2021	0.53

The correlation between USML and MVRL shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.55 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

USML vs. MVRL — Risk / Return Rank

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

USML

USML Risk / Return Rank: 12
USML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
USML Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
USML Omega Ratio Rank: 12
USML Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
USML Martin Ratio Rank: 13

MVRL

MVRL Risk / Return Rank: 19
MVRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
MVRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
MVRL Omega Ratio Rank: 20
MVRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
MVRL Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

USML vs. MVRL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN (MVRL). 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.

	USML	MVRL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	0.65	-0.38
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	1.04	-0.56
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.13	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	0.70	-0.35
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.03	1.95	-0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USML vs. MVRL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USML Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the MVRL Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USML and MVRL, 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

	USML	MVRL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	0.65	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	-0.22	+0.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.13	+0.31

Drawdowns

USML vs. MVRL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USML drawdown since its inception was -35.34%, smaller than the maximum MVRL drawdown of -60.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USML and MVRL.

Drawdown Indicators

	USML	MVRL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.34%	-60.25%	+24.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.09%	-20.93%	+7.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-32.20%	+13.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.34%	-60.25%	+24.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-38.64%	+36.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.42%	-31.80%	+21.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	7.45%	-3.12%

Volatility

USML vs. MVRL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) is 4.03%, while ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN (MVRL) has a volatility of 6.25%. This indicates that USML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MVRL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USML	MVRL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	6.25%	-2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.54%	20.11%	-8.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.33%	27.34%	-11.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.47%	36.54%	-12.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.29%	37.63%	-13.34%

USML vs. MVRL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both USML and MVRL have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

USML vs. MVRL - Dividend Comparison

USML has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MVRL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.77%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MVRL ETRACS Monthly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Mortgage REIT ETN	20.77%	19.15%	19.27%	18.69%	25.21%	12.33%	5.63%
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USML and MVRL in my portfolio?

USML and MVRL have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USML or MVRL?

MVRL has higher volatility (6.25%) compared to USML (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USML dropped -35.34% vs MVRL's -60.25%.

Which ETF is better, USML or MVRL?

On 5-year performance, USML leads with 8.67% vs -8.17% for MVRL. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, USML has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USML or MVRL?

Over the 5-year period, USML has performed better with a 8.67% return vs -8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USML or MVRL?

USML and MVRL have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USML or MVRL?

MVRL has the higher dividend yield at 20.77%, compared with 0.00% for USML.

What is the main difference between USML and MVRL?

USML is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while MVRL is REIT. USML tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while MVRL tracks MVIS US Mortgage REITs Index (150%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MVRL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.65 vs 0.26), 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.