EHLS vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EHLS (Even Herd Long Short ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EHLS returned 23.69% vs 6.18% for MARB. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EHLS charges 1.58%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

EHLS vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Even Herd Long Short ETF (EHLS) 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, EHLS achieves a 15.59% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 1.26% return.

EHLS

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: 15.59%
• 6M: 16.66%
• 1Y: 23.69%
• 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)

EHLS vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EHLS Even Herd Long Short ETF	15.59%	6.67%	11.57%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	7.02%	2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EHLS and MARB is -0.07, 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	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2024	0.03

EHLS vs. MARB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EHLS	MARB
Financial Services	15.6%	15.0%
Industrials	13.5%	9.1%
Energy	13.4%	-
Technology	12.4%	14.3%
Healthcare	9.6%	29.7%
Basic Materials	8.3%	-
Utilities	7.9%	-
Real Estate	5.7%	20.0%
Communication Services	5.0%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	-

Return for Risk

EHLS vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EHLS

EHLS Risk / Return Rank: 41
EHLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
EHLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EHLS Omega Ratio Rank: 35
EHLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
EHLS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

EHLS vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Even Herd Long Short ETF (EHLS) 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.

	EHLS	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.17	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.80	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.56	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.72	20.98	-13.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EHLS vs. MARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EHLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the MARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EHLS 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

	EHLS	MARB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	1.17	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.36	+0.45

Drawdowns

EHLS vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EHLS drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, which is greater than MARB's maximum drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EHLS and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EHLS	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-11.99%	-6.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.06%	-2.43%	-6.63%
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	-1.54%	-0.00%	-1.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-1.40%	-3.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	0.30%	+2.78%

Volatility

EHLS vs. MARB - Volatility Comparison

Even Herd Long Short ETF (EHLS) has a higher volatility of 5.41% compared to First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) at 0.47%. This indicates that EHLS'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

	EHLS	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	0.47%	+4.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.54%	2.18%	+12.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.71%	5.31%	+13.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	4.27%	+15.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.76%	5.60%	+14.16%

EHLS vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EHLS has a 1.58% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EHLS vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

EHLS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MARB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EHLS Even Herd Long Short ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.03%	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 EHLS and MARB in my portfolio?

EHLS and MARB have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EHLS or MARB?

EHLS has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to MARB (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EHLS dropped -18.96% vs MARB's -11.99%.

Which ETF is better, EHLS or MARB?

On 1-year performance, EHLS leads with 23.69% vs 6.18% for MARB. On fees, EHLS is cheaper at 1.58% 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, EHLS or MARB?

Over the 1-year period, EHLS has performed better with a 23.69% return vs 6.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EHLS or MARB?

EHLS is cheaper with a 1.58% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.00% for EHLS.

What is the main difference between EHLS and MARB?

They also come from different issuers: N/A and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.58% for EHLS and 2.30% for MARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EHLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 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.