XBIL vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XBIL (US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. XBIL is passively managed, while BAMU is actively managed. Over the past year, XBIL returned 3.82% vs 2.87% for BAMU. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XBIL charges 0.15%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

XBIL vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (XBIL) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XBIL achieves a 1.57% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.18% return.

XBIL

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.57%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 3.82%
• 3Y*: 4.60%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BAMU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 2.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XBIL vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
XBIL US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF	1.57%	4.17%	5.16%	1.50%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.18%	3.21%	4.14%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between XBIL and BAMU is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	0.22

Return for Risk

XBIL vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XBIL

XBIL Risk / Return Rank: 100
XBIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
XBIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
XBIL Omega Ratio Rank: 99
XBIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
XBIL Martin Ratio Rank: 100

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 98
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

XBIL vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (XBIL) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	XBIL	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	12.56	4.94	+7.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	38.47	8.71	+29.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	10.10	2.41	+7.69
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	64.01	24.37	+39.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	592.11	96.52	+495.59

XBIL vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XBIL Sharpe Ratio is 12.56, which is higher than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 4.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XBIL and BAMU, 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

XBIL vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XBIL drawdown since its inception was -0.08%, smaller than the maximum BAMU drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XBIL and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XBIL	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.08%	-0.36%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.06%	-0.12%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.01%	0.03%	-0.02%

Volatility

XBIL vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (XBIL) has a higher volatility of 0.12% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.09%. This indicates that XBIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XBIL	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.12%	0.09%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.19%	0.39%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31%	0.58%	-0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.38%	0.87%	-0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.38%	0.87%	-0.49%

XBIL vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XBIL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

XBIL vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

XBIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, more than BAMU's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%
XBIL US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF	3.76%	4.01%	4.90%	4.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XBIL and BAMU in my portfolio?

XBIL and BAMU have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XBIL or BAMU?

XBIL has higher volatility (0.12%) compared to BAMU (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XBIL dropped -0.08% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, XBIL or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, XBIL leads with 3.82% vs 2.87% for BAMU. On fees, XBIL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XBIL or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, XBIL has performed better with a 3.82% return vs 2.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XBIL or BAMU?

XBIL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XBIL or BAMU?

XBIL has the higher dividend yield at 3.76%, compared with 3.05% for BAMU.

What is the main difference between XBIL and BAMU?

They also come from different issuers: US Benchmark Series and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for XBIL and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (12.56 vs 4.94), 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.