MARB vs VXUS
MARB vs VXUS
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $20M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.71% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.94% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MARB vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MARB is up 1.96% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MARB compounded at +4.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.94% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS 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 -12.0% for MARB and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARB charges 1.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $169 vs $5 annually, a gap of $164 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARB currently yields 2.98% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MARB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7882 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 VXUS?
MARB has an expense ratio of 1.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $164 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARB or VXUS?
Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MARB annualized +2.07% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.5% for MARB. Worst drawdown: MARB -12.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MARB and VXUS?
MARB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARB and VXUS?
MARB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7882 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARB or VXUS?
MARB yields 2.98% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MARB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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