BFRZ vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BFRZ (Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BFRZ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator, while MARB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BFRZ returned 8.04% vs 6.18% for MARB. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. BFRZ charges 0.89%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

BFRZ vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) and First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFRZ achieves a 1.49% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 1.26% return.

BFRZ

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 8.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MARB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 6.18%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 2.64%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BFRZ vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BFRZ Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF	1.49%	7.39%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	5.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BFRZ and MARB is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	-0.08

Return for Risk

BFRZ vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BFRZ

BFRZ Risk / Return Rank: 48
BFRZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BFRZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
BFRZ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BFRZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
BFRZ Martin Ratio Rank: 45

MARB

MARB Risk / Return Rank: 52
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BFRZ vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) and First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	BFRZ	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.17	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	1.80	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.56	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.31	20.98	-13.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BFRZ vs. MARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFRZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is higher than the MARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFRZ and MARB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BFRZ	MARB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	1.17	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.75	0.36	+1.39

Drawdowns

BFRZ vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFRZ drawdown since its inception was -3.12%, smaller than the maximum MARB drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFRZ and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFRZ	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.12%	-11.99%	+8.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.12%	-2.43%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.67%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-3.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.00%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-1.40%	+0.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	0.30%	+0.80%

Volatility

BFRZ vs. MARB - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) has a higher volatility of 1.16% compared to First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) at 0.47%. This indicates that BFRZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MARB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BFRZ	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.16%	0.47%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.72%	2.18%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.99%	5.31%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.88%	4.27%	+0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.88%	5.60%	-0.72%

BFRZ vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFRZ has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFRZ vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

BFRZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than MARB's 2.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFRZ Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF	0.26%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.98%	3.01%	2.11%	2.20%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFRZ and MARB in my portfolio?

BFRZ and MARB have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BFRZ or MARB?

BFRZ has higher volatility (1.16%) compared to MARB (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFRZ dropped -3.12% vs MARB's -11.99%.

Which ETF is better, BFRZ or MARB?

On 1-year performance, BFRZ leads with 8.04% vs 6.18% for MARB. On fees, BFRZ is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, MARB has been the lower-risk option at 0.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BFRZ or MARB?

Over the 1-year period, BFRZ has performed better with a 8.04% return vs 6.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFRZ or MARB?

BFRZ is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BFRZ or MARB?

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.26% for BFRZ.

What is the main difference between BFRZ and MARB?

BFRZ is categorized as Defined Outcome, while MARB is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BFRZ and 2.30% for MARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BFRZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.17), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.