WABF vs. CAAA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

WABF (Western Asset Bond ETF) and CAAA (First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, WABF returned 6.00% vs 5.48% for CAAA. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WABF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for CAAA.

Performance

WABF vs. CAAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) and First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF (CAAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WABF achieves a 0.32% return, which is significantly lower than CAAA's 0.91% return.

WABF

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 6.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAAA

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.91%
• 6M: 1.20%
• 1Y: 5.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WABF vs. CAAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	0.32%	7.92%	3.31%
CAAA First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF	0.91%	8.03%	4.65%

Correlation

The correlation between WABF and CAAA is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2024	0.74

The correlation between WABF and CAAA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WABF vs. CAAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

WABF

WABF Risk / Return Rank: 42
WABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
WABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
WABF Omega Ratio Rank: 45
WABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
WABF Martin Ratio Rank: 37

CAAA

CAAA Risk / Return Rank: 53
CAAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
CAAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
CAAA Omega Ratio Rank: 53
CAAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
CAAA Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

WABF vs. CAAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) and First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF (CAAA). 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.

	WABF	CAAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.81	-0.24
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.75	-0.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.66	-0.76
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.88	8.29	-2.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WABF vs. CAAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WABF Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the CAAA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WABF and CAAA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WABF	CAAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.57	1.81	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	1.89	-0.88

Drawdowns

WABF vs. CAAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WABF drawdown since its inception was -5.36%, which is greater than CAAA's maximum drawdown of -2.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WABF and CAAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	WABF	CAAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-2.24%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.03%	-2.08%	-0.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.50%	-0.69%	-0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.51%	-0.56%	-0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	0.67%	+0.31%

Volatility

WABF vs. CAAA - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) has a higher volatility of 1.12% compared to First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF (CAAA) at 0.99%. This indicates that WABF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAAA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WABF	CAAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.12%	0.99%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.49%	2.24%	+0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.85%	3.04%	+0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.02%	3.20%	+2.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.02%	3.20%	+2.82%

WABF vs. CAAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

WABF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than CAAA's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

WABF vs. CAAA - Dividend Comparison

WABF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.13%, less than CAAA's 5.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CAAA First Trust Commercial Mortgage Opportunities ETF	5.28%	6.09%	4.01%	0.00%
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	5.13%	5.67%	6.25%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WABF and CAAA in my portfolio?

WABF and CAAA have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WABF or CAAA?

WABF has higher volatility (1.12%) compared to CAAA (0.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WABF dropped -5.36% vs CAAA's -2.24%.

Which ETF is better, WABF or CAAA?

On 1-year performance, WABF leads with 6.00% vs 5.48% for CAAA. On fees, WABF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CAAA has been the lower-risk option at 0.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WABF or CAAA?

Over the 1-year period, WABF has performed better with a 6.00% return vs 5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WABF or CAAA?

WABF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for CAAA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WABF or CAAA?

CAAA has the higher dividend yield at 5.28%, compared with 5.13% for WABF.

What is the main difference between WABF and CAAA?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WABF and 0.55% for CAAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 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.