EMPB vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EMPB (Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EMPB returned 21.24% vs 5.67% for MARB. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EMPB charges 1.82%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

EMPB vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF (EMPB) 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, EMPB achieves a 13.39% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 0.82% return.

EMPB

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 13.39%
• 6M: 13.34%
• 1Y: 21.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MARB

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 1.04%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: 4.04%
• 5Y*: 2.75%
• 10Y*: —

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

EMPB vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EMPB Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF	13.39%	14.84%	0.43%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	0.82%	7.02%	1.19%

Correlation

The correlation between EMPB and MARB is -0.08, 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	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.03

The correlation between EMPB and MARB shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EMPB vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMPB

EMPB Risk / Return Rank: 62
EMPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
EMPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
EMPB Omega Ratio Rank: 60
EMPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EMPB Martin Ratio Rank: 61

MARB

MARB Risk / Return Rank: 50
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

EMPB vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF (EMPB) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EMPB	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.08	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	1.66	+1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	2.35	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	19.40	-8.91

EMPB vs. MARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMPB Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is higher than the MARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMPB 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.

Drawdowns

EMPB vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMPB drawdown since its inception was -7.55%, smaller than the maximum MARB drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMPB and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMPB	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.55%	-11.99%	+4.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.98%	-2.43%	-3.55%
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	-0.69%	-0.60%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-1.39%	-0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	0.29%	+1.74%

Volatility

EMPB vs. MARB - Volatility Comparison

Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF (EMPB) has a higher volatility of 2.28% compared to First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) at 0.56%. This indicates that EMPB'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

	EMPB	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	0.56%	+1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.49%	2.17%	+6.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.28%	5.29%	+5.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.70%	4.26%	+7.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.70%	5.58%	+6.12%

EMPB vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMPB has a 1.82% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMPB vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

EMPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, less than MARB's 2.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EMPB Efficient Market Portfolio Plus ETF	0.77%	0.88%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.99%	3.01%	2.11%	2.20%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMPB and MARB in my portfolio?

EMPB and MARB have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMPB or MARB?

EMPB has higher volatility (2.28%) compared to MARB (0.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMPB dropped -7.55% vs MARB's -11.99%.

Which ETF is better, EMPB or MARB?

On 1-year performance, EMPB leads with 21.24% vs 5.67% for MARB. On fees, EMPB is cheaper at 1.82% per year. On volatility, MARB has been the lower-risk option at 0.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMPB or MARB?

Over the 1-year period, EMPB has performed better with a 21.24% return vs 5.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMPB or MARB?

EMPB is cheaper with a 1.82% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.99%, compared with 0.77% for EMPB.

What is the main difference between EMPB and MARB?

They also come from different issuers: Empowered Funds and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.82% for EMPB and 2.30% for MARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMPB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.08), 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.