VABS vs. PMBS

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) and PMBS (PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund) are both Mortgage Backed Securities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VABS returned 3.97% vs 6.57% for PMBS. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VABS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for PMBS.

Performance

VABS vs. PMBS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) and PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VABS achieves a 1.89% return, which is significantly higher than PMBS's 1.68% return.

VABS

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 6M: 1.95%
• 1Y: 3.97%
• 3Y*: 6.29%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: —

PMBS

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 1.68%
• 6M: 1.57%
• 1Y: 6.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VABS vs. PMBS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.89%	5.40%	0.75%
PMBS PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund	1.68%	8.92%	-2.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VABS and PMBS is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2024	0.58

The correlation between VABS and PMBS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VABS vs. PMBS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VABS

VABS Risk / Return Rank: 75
VABS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VABS Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VABS Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VABS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VABS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

PMBS

PMBS Risk / Return Rank: 51
PMBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
PMBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PMBS Omega Ratio Rank: 50
PMBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PMBS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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. PMBS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) and PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS). 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	PMBS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.57	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.31	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.28	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	2.22	+1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.46	7.04	+3.42

VABS vs. PMBS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VABS Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the PMBS Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VABS and PMBS, 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. PMBS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VABS drawdown since its inception was -7.12%, which is greater than PMBS's maximum drawdown of -4.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VABS and PMBS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VABS	PMBS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-4.35%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.98%	-2.97%	+1.99%
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	0.00%	-0.79%	+0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	-1.15%	-0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	0.93%	-0.55%

Volatility

VABS vs. PMBS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) is 0.37%, while PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS) has a volatility of 1.34%. This indicates that VABS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PMBS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VABS	PMBS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.37%	1.34%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.06%	3.24%	-2.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	4.20%	-2.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.30%	4.88%	-2.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.23%	4.88%	-2.65%

VABS vs. PMBS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VABS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than PMBS's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

VABS vs. PMBS - Dividend Comparison

VABS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.06%, more than PMBS's 4.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PMBS PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund	4.94%	4.73%	1.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.06%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VABS and PMBS in my portfolio?

VABS and PMBS have a correlation of 0.60, 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 PMBS?

PMBS has higher volatility (1.34%) compared to VABS (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VABS dropped -7.12% vs PMBS's -4.35%.

Which ETF is better, VABS or PMBS?

On 1-year performance, PMBS leads with 6.57% vs 3.97% for VABS. 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 PMBS?

Over the 1-year period, PMBS has performed better with a 6.57% return vs 3.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VABS or PMBS?

VABS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for PMBS.

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

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.06%, compared with 4.94% for PMBS.

What is the main difference between VABS and PMBS?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VABS and 0.71% for PMBS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VABS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.57), 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.