MARM vs VOO
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $108M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.17% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.66% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MARM vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARM returned +6.66% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, MARM is up 4.17% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 2.0% for MARM. 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 -2.7% for MARM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARM charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARM currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MARM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, MARM or VOO?
MARM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARM or VOO?
Over the past year MARM returned +6.66% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARM annualized +7.30% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARM or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.0% for MARM. Worst drawdown: MARM -2.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MARM and VOO?
MARM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARM and VOO?
MARM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARM or VOO?
MARM yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.