USTB vs. VABS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USTB (VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USTB is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg 1–3 Year Credit Index, while VABS is a Mortgage Backed Securities fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. USTB is passively managed, while VABS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, USTB returned 3.51%/yr vs 3.26%/yr for VABS. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USTB charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.

Performance

USTB vs. VABS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) 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, USTB achieves a 1.32% return, which is significantly lower than VABS's 1.70% return.

USTB

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.32%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 4.34%
• 3Y*: 6.13%
• 5Y*: 3.51%
• 10Y*: —

VABS

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 1.70%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 3.93%
• 3Y*: 6.26%
• 5Y*: 3.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

USTB vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
USTB VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF	1.32%	6.08%	6.49%	6.69%	-2.82%	0.62%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.70%	5.40%	7.59%	7.61%	-5.24%	0.37%

Correlation

The correlation between USTB and VABS is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 10, 2021	0.61

The correlation between USTB and VABS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USTB vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank

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

USTB

USTB Risk / Return Rank: 94
USTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
USTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
USTB Omega Ratio Rank: 96
USTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
USTB Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 70
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 79
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

USTB vs. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) 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.

	USTB	VABS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.56	1.97	+1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.82	2.70	+3.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.78	1.43	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.16	4.01	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.33	10.35	+12.98

USTB vs. VABS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USTB Sharpe Ratio is 3.56, which is higher than the VABS Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USTB 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

USTB vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USTB drawdown since its inception was -5.32%, smaller than the maximum VABS drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USTB and VABS.

Drawdown Indicators

	USTB	VABS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.32%	-7.12%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.84%	-0.98%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.02%	-1.42%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-4.96%	-7.12%	+2.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.15%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-1.40%	+0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.19%	0.38%	-0.19%

Volatility

USTB vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) has a higher volatility of 0.43% compared to Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) at 0.37%. This indicates that USTB'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

	USTB	VABS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.43%	0.37%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.90%	1.06%	-0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23%	2.01%	-0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	2.30%	-0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.00%	2.24%	-0.24%

USTB vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison

USTB has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

USTB vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison

USTB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, less than VABS's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USTB VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF	4.57%	4.62%	5.05%	4.49%	2.54%	1.84%	2.59%	2.69%	2.32%	0.43%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.07%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USTB and VABS in my portfolio?

USTB and VABS have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USTB or VABS?

USTB has higher volatility (0.43%) compared to VABS (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USTB dropped -5.32% vs VABS's -7.12%.

Which ETF is better, USTB or VABS?

On 5-year performance, USTB leads with 3.51% vs 3.26% for VABS. On fees, USTB is cheaper at 0.34% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USTB or VABS?

Over the 5-year period, USTB has performed better with a 3.51% return vs 3.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USTB or VABS?

USTB is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VABS.

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

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.07%, compared with 4.57% for USTB.

What is the main difference between USTB and VABS?

USTB is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while VABS is Mortgage Backed Securities. They also come from different issuers: Victory and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for USTB and 0.39% for VABS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USTB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.56 vs 1.97), 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.