MARB vs VTI
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $20M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.71% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.94% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
MARB vs VTI Performance
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, MARB is up 1.96% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, MARB compounded at +4.28% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.94% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARB charges 1.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $169 vs $3 annually, a gap of $166 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARB currently yields 2.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MARB and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARB or VTI?
MARB has an expense ratio of 1.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $166 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARB or VTI?
Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MARB annualized +2.07% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 3.5% for MARB. Worst drawdown: MARB -12.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MARB and VTI?
MARB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARB and VTI?
MARB and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARB or VTI?
MARB yields 2.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MARB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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