VABS vs. NSCI

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) and NSCI (Nuveen Securitized Income ETF) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VABS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for NSCI.

Performance

VABS vs. NSCI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VABS achieves a 1.72% return, which is significantly lower than NSCI's 1.98% return.

VABS

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 4.06%
• 3Y*: 6.34%
• 5Y*: 3.28%
• 10Y*: —

NSCI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.11%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VABS vs. NSCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.72%	1.06%
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	1.98%	1.66%

Correlation

The correlation between VABS and NSCI is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

VABS vs. NSCI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 73
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

NSCI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. NSCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) and Nuveen Securitized Income ETF (NSCI). 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	NSCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.28	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.06	—	—

Drawdowns

VABS vs. NSCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VABS drawdown since its inception was -7.12%, which is greater than NSCI's maximum drawdown of -1.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VABS and NSCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VABS	NSCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-1.10%	-6.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.98%	—	—
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	-0.12%	-0.10%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	-0.18%	-1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VABS	NSCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.36%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.05%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	1.30%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.30%	1.30%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.24%	1.30%	+0.94%

VABS vs. NSCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VABS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than NSCI's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

VABS vs. NSCI - Dividend Comparison

VABS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, more than NSCI's 3.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NSCI Nuveen Securitized Income ETF	3.04%	1.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	4.73%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VABS and NSCI in my portfolio?

VABS and NSCI have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VABS or NSCI?

On fees, NSCI is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VABS or NSCI?

NSCI is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VABS.

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

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 4.73%, compared with 3.04% for NSCI.

What is the main difference between VABS and NSCI?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VABS and 0.38% for NSCI.