MARB vs SCHD
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARB | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.69% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $20M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.71% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.94% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MARB vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MARB is up 1.96% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, MARB compounded at +4.28% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.94% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -12.0% for MARB and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARB charges 1.69% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $169 vs $6 annually, a gap of $163 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARB currently yields 2.98% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MARB and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARB or SCHD?
MARB has an expense ratio of 1.69% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $163 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARB or SCHD?
Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MARB annualized +2.07% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARB or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.5% for MARB. Worst drawdown: MARB -12.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MARB and SCHD?
MARB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARB and SCHD?
MARB and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARB or SCHD?
MARB yields 2.98% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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