VABS vs. JSI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) and JSI (Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VABS is a Mortgage Backed Securities fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners, while JSI is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Janus Henderson. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VABS returned 3.93% vs 3.75% for JSI. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VABS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for JSI.

Performance

VABS vs. JSI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) and Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF (JSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VABS achieves a 1.70% return, which is significantly higher than JSI's 0.86% return.

VABS

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

JSI

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 6M: 1.04%
• 1Y: 3.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VABS vs. JSI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.70%	5.40%	7.59%	2.02%
JSI Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF	0.86%	6.46%	7.27%	3.29%

Correlation

The correlation between VABS and JSI is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.62

The correlation between VABS and JSI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VABS vs. JSI — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

JSI

JSI Risk / Return Rank: 47
JSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
JSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
JSI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
JSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
JSI Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

VABS vs. JSI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) and Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF (JSI). 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.

	VABS	JSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.55	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.13	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.31	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.01	2.24	+1.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.35	7.15	+3.20

VABS vs. JSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VABS Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the JSI Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VABS and JSI, 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

VABS vs. JSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VABS drawdown since its inception was -7.12%, which is greater than JSI's maximum drawdown of -2.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VABS and JSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VABS	JSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-2.31%	-4.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.98%	-1.68%	+0.70%
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	-0.15%	-0.58%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	-0.34%	-1.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	0.53%	-0.15%

Volatility

VABS vs. JSI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) is 0.37%, while Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF (JSI) has a volatility of 0.74%. This indicates that VABS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JSI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VABS	JSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.37%	0.74%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.06%	1.63%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	2.44%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.30%	2.88%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.24%	2.88%	-0.64%

VABS vs. JSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VABS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than JSI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VABS vs. JSI - Dividend Comparison

VABS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.07%, less than JSI's 5.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
JSI Janus Henderson Securitized Income ETF	5.81%	5.80%	6.16%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.07%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VABS and JSI in my portfolio?

VABS and JSI have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VABS or JSI?

JSI has higher volatility (0.74%) compared to VABS (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VABS dropped -7.12% vs JSI's -2.31%.

Which ETF is better, VABS or JSI?

On 1-year performance, VABS leads with 3.93% vs 3.75% for JSI. On fees, VABS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, VABS has been the lower-risk option at 0.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VABS or JSI?

Over the 1-year period, VABS has performed better with a 3.93% return vs 3.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VABS or JSI?

VABS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for JSI.

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

JSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.81%, compared with 5.07% for VABS.

What is the main difference between VABS and JSI?

VABS is categorized as Mortgage Backed Securities, while JSI is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Janus Henderson. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VABS and 0.50% for JSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VABS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.55), 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.