VRAI vs. VABS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRAI (Virtus Real Asset Income ETF) and VABS (Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VRAI is a REIT fund tracking the Indxx Real Asset Income Index, while VABS is a Mortgage Backed Securities fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. VRAI is passively managed, while VABS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VRAI returned 5.71%/yr vs 3.26%/yr for VABS. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VRAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VABS.

Performance

VRAI vs. VABS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) 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, VRAI achieves a 20.17% return, which is significantly higher than VABS's 1.70% return.

VRAI

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 20.17%
• 6M: 20.99%
• 1Y: 22.60%
• 3Y*: 12.35%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 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)

VRAI vs. VABS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF	20.17%	6.67%	2.66%	6.12%	-9.96%	19.13%
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	1.70%	5.40%	7.59%	7.61%	-5.24%	0.37%

Correlation

The correlation between VRAI and VABS is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 10, 2021	0.09

The correlation between VRAI and VABS shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (1 year) to 0.14 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VRAI vs. VABS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRAI

VRAI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VRAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VRAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VRAI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VRAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VRAI Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VRAI vs. VABS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) 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.

	VRAI	VABS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.97	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.70	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.43	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.71	4.01	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	10.35	+4.19

VRAI vs. VABS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VABS Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRAI 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

VRAI vs. VABS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRAI drawdown since its inception was -47.51%, which is greater than VABS's maximum drawdown of -7.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRAI and VABS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRAI	VABS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.51%	-7.12%	-40.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.82%	-0.98%	-3.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.89%	-1.42%	-15.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.71%	-7.12%	-19.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-0.15%	-2.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.03%	-1.40%	-8.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	0.38%	+1.18%

Volatility

VRAI vs. VABS - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) has a higher volatility of 3.28% compared to Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) at 0.37%. This indicates that VRAI'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

	VRAI	VABS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	0.37%	+2.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.29%	1.06%	+7.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.99%	2.01%	+9.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.61%	2.30%	+14.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.07%	2.24%	+19.83%

VRAI vs. VABS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VABS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRAI vs. VABS - Dividend Comparison

VRAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, less than VABS's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VABS Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF	5.07%	4.94%	5.05%	4.13%	2.47%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF	2.92%	4.68%	7.13%	5.02%	4.48%	3.34%	3.91%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRAI and VABS in my portfolio?

VRAI and VABS have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRAI or VABS?

VRAI has higher volatility (3.28%) compared to VABS (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRAI dropped -47.51% vs VABS's -7.12%.

Which ETF is better, VRAI or VABS?

On 5-year performance, VRAI leads with 5.71% vs 3.26% 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, VRAI or VABS?

Over the 5-year period, VRAI has performed better with a 5.71% return vs 3.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VRAI or VABS?

VABS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for VRAI.

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

VABS has the higher dividend yield at 5.07%, compared with 2.92% for VRAI.

What is the main difference between VRAI and VABS?

VRAI is categorized as REIT, while VABS is Mortgage Backed Securities. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for VRAI and 0.39% for VABS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VABS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.90), 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.