EMKT vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMKT (Lazard Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMKT is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Lazard, while MARB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. EMKT charges 0.74%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

EMKT vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMKT) 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, EMKT achieves a 30.02% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 1.26% return.

EMKT

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: 11.71%
• YTD: 30.02%
• 6M: 31.86%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

EMKT vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EMKT Lazard Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	30.02%	-1.29%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	2.43%

Correlation

The correlation between EMKT and MARB is -0.03, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2025	-0.03

Return for Risk

EMKT vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

EMKT vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMKT) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EMKT	MARB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.17	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.33	0.36	+1.97

Drawdowns

EMKT vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMKT drawdown since its inception was -14.21%, which is greater than MARB's maximum drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMKT and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMKT	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.21%	-11.99%	-2.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.43%	—
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	-1.45%	-0.00%	-1.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-1.40%	-1.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMKT	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.46%	5.31%	+17.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	4.27%	+18.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	5.60%	+16.86%

EMKT vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMKT has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMKT vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

EMKT 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
EMKT Lazard Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 EMKT and MARB in my portfolio?

EMKT and MARB have a correlation of -0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EMKT or MARB?

On fees, EMKT is cheaper at 0.74% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMKT or MARB?

EMKT is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

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

What is the main difference between EMKT and MARB?

EMKT is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while MARB is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Lazard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for EMKT and 2.30% for MARB.