FCUS vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FCUS (Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCUS is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Pinnacle, while MARB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FCUS returned 34.86%/yr vs 4.36%/yr for MARB. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FCUS charges 0.79%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

FCUS vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF (FCUS) 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, FCUS achieves a 43.18% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 1.77% return.

FCUS

• 1D: -3.77%
• 1M: 1.78%
• YTD: 43.18%
• 6M: 40.26%
• 1Y: 87.27%
• 3Y*: 34.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MARB

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.77%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 6.71%
• 3Y*: 4.36%
• 5Y*: 2.96%
• 10Y*: —

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

FCUS vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FCUS Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF	43.18%	13.69%	30.59%	21.13%	0.87%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.77%	7.02%	0.73%	2.16%	0.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FCUS and MARB is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2022	0.10

The correlation between FCUS and MARB shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (1 year) to 0.10 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FCUS vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCUS

FCUS Risk / Return Rank: 78
FCUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FCUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FCUS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FCUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FCUS Martin Ratio Rank: 86

MARB

MARB Risk / Return Rank: 59
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 64
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

FCUS vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF (FCUS) 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.

	FCUS	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	1.26	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	1.95	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.35	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.96	2.78	+2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.12	22.96	-5.84

FCUS vs. MARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the MARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCUS 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

FCUS vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCUS drawdown since its inception was -39.89%, which is greater than MARB's maximum drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCUS and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCUS	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.89%	-11.99%	-27.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-2.43%	-15.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.89%	-3.67%	-36.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-3.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.59%	0.00%	-4.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-1.39%	-6.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.11%	0.29%	+4.82%

Volatility

FCUS vs. MARB - Volatility Comparison

Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF (FCUS) has a higher volatility of 12.35% compared to First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) at 1.06%. This indicates that FCUS'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

	FCUS	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.35%	1.06%	+11.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.05%	2.35%	+24.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.63%	5.35%	+30.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.33%	4.28%	+26.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.33%	5.59%	+24.74%

FCUS vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCUS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCUS vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

FCUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.02%, more than MARB's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FCUS Pinnacle Focused Opportunities ETF	3.02%	4.33%	11.19%	0.00%	0.00%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.96%	3.01%	2.11%	2.20%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCUS and MARB in my portfolio?

FCUS and MARB have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCUS or MARB?

FCUS has higher volatility (12.35%) compared to MARB (1.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCUS dropped -39.89% vs MARB's -11.99%.

Which ETF is better, FCUS or MARB?

On 3-year performance, FCUS leads with 34.86% vs 4.36% for MARB. On fees, FCUS is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, MARB has been the lower-risk option at 1.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCUS or MARB?

Over the 3-year period, FCUS has performed better with a 34.86% return vs 4.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCUS or MARB?

FCUS is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

FCUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.02%, compared with 2.96% for MARB.

What is the main difference between FCUS and MARB?

FCUS is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while MARB is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Pinnacle and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for FCUS and 2.30% for MARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.26), 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.