IVV vs MARB
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MARB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.69% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $20M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.98% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +1.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +6.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +4.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +2.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -12.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 4, 2020 |
IVV vs MARB Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while MARB returned +6.71%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 1.96% for MARB.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +4.28% for MARB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +2.94% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.5% for MARB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -12.0% for MARB. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MARB charges 1.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $169 annually, a gap of $166 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.98% for MARB.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MARB?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MARB charges 1.69%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $166 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MARB?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +6.71% for MARB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +2.07% for MARB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MARB?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.5% for MARB. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MARB -12.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and MARB?
IVV and MARB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MARB?
IVV and MARB share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MARB?
IVV yields 1.09% while MARB yields 2.98%, so MARB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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