MARB vs VYM
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $20M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.71% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.94% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MARB vs VYM Performance
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MARB is up 1.96% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, MARB compounded at +4.28% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.94% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARB charges 1.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $169 vs $4 annually, a gap of $165 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARB currently yields 2.98% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MARB and VYM share 3 holdings out of 576 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 VYM?
MARB has an expense ratio of 1.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $165 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARB or VYM?
Over the past year MARB returned +6.71% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MARB annualized +2.07% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.5% for MARB. Worst drawdown: MARB -12.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MARB and VYM?
MARB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARB and VYM?
MARB and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 576 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARB or VYM?
MARB yields 2.98% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MARB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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