VMBS vs. BESF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMBS (Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF) and BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VMBS is a Mortgage Backed Securities fund tracking the Barclays Capital U.S. MBS Index, while BESF is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Bastion. VMBS is passively managed, while BESF is actively managed. Over the past year, VMBS returned 6.00% vs 61.61% for BESF. At a correlation of -0.23, they often move in opposite directions. VMBS charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for BESF.

Performance

VMBS vs. BESF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (VMBS) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMBS achieves a 0.92% return, which is significantly lower than BESF's 16.12% return.

VMBS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.92%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 6.00%
• 3Y*: 4.52%
• 5Y*: 0.57%
• 10Y*: 1.35%

BESF

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: -6.28%
• YTD: 16.12%
• 6M: 15.17%
• 1Y: 61.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VMBS vs. BESF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VMBS Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF	0.92%	6.23%
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	16.12%	38.76%

Correlation

The correlation between VMBS and BESF is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2025	-0.23

Return for Risk

VMBS vs. BESF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMBS

VMBS Risk / Return Rank: 43
VMBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VMBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VMBS Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VMBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VMBS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

BESF

BESF Risk / Return Rank: 84
BESF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BESF Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BESF Omega Ratio Rank: 77
BESF Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
BESF Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VMBS vs. BESF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (VMBS) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). 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.

	VMBS	BESF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	2.52	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.34	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.41	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	5.64	-3.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.12	15.57	-8.46

VMBS vs. BESF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMBS Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is lower than the BESF Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMBS and BESF, 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

VMBS vs. BESF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMBS drawdown since its inception was -17.47%, which is greater than BESF's maximum drawdown of -10.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMBS and BESF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMBS	BESF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.47%	-10.97%	-6.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.68%	-10.97%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-8.73%	+7.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.49%	-2.74%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	3.97%	-3.13%

Volatility

VMBS vs. BESF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (VMBS) is 1.19%, while Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) has a volatility of 6.97%. This indicates that VMBS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BESF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMBS	BESF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	6.97%	-5.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.27%	14.93%	-11.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.30%	24.75%	-20.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.78%	24.39%	-17.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.41%	24.39%	-18.98%

VMBS vs. BESF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMBS has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than BESF's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMBS vs. BESF - Dividend Comparison

VMBS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.17%, less than BESF's 5.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.86%	6.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VMBS Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF	4.17%	4.20%	3.94%	3.31%	2.35%	1.02%	2.01%	2.77%	2.72%	2.16%	2.10%	2.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMBS and BESF in my portfolio?

VMBS and BESF have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMBS or BESF?

BESF has higher volatility (6.97%) compared to VMBS (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMBS dropped -17.47% vs BESF's -10.97%.

Which ETF is better, VMBS or BESF?

On 1-year performance, BESF leads with 61.61% vs 6.00% for VMBS. On fees, VMBS is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VMBS has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMBS or BESF?

Over the 1-year period, BESF has performed better with a 61.61% return vs 6.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMBS or BESF?

VMBS is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BESF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VMBS or BESF?

BESF has the higher dividend yield at 5.86%, compared with 4.17% for VMBS.

What is the main difference between VMBS and BESF?

VMBS is categorized as Mortgage Backed Securities, while BESF is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Bastion. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VMBS and 0.80% for BESF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BESF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.40), 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.