MARM vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March 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 | MARM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $108M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.18% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.50% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MARM vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) 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 MARM returned +6.50% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, MARM is up 4.18% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARM charges 0.85% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MARM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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 VTI?
MARM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARM or VTI?
Over the past year MARM returned +6.50% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARM annualized +7.28% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 2.0% for MARM. Worst drawdown: MARM -2.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MARM and VTI?
MARM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARM and VTI?
MARM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARM or VTI?
MARM yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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