HELS vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

HELS (Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. HELS charges 0.70%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

HELS vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF (HELS) 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, HELS achieves a -2.32% return, which is significantly lower than MARB's 1.31% return.

HELS

• 1D: -3.38%
• 1M: -2.04%
• YTD: -2.32%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MARB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 1.31%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 6.07%
• 3Y*: 4.24%
• 5Y*: 2.65%
• 10Y*: —

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

HELS vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HELS Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF	-2.32%	-2.83%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.31%	0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between HELS 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2025	-0.07

Return for Risk

HELS 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: 54
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

HELS vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF (HELS) 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

	HELS	MARB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	0.36	-0.99

Drawdowns

HELS vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HELS drawdown since its inception was -13.60%, which is greater than MARB's maximum drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HELS and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	HELS	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.60%	-11.99%	-1.61%
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	-8.47%	0.00%	-8.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.58%	-1.40%	-4.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HELS	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.17%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.66%	5.30%	+11.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	4.26%	+12.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.66%	5.60%	+11.06%

HELS vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

HELS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

HELS vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

HELS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than MARB's 2.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HELS Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF	0.02%	0.02%	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 HELS and MARB in my portfolio?

HELS 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 ETF is better, HELS or MARB?

On fees, HELS is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HELS or MARB?

HELS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.02% for HELS.

What is the main difference between HELS and MARB?

They also come from different issuers: Hedgeye and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HELS and 2.30% for MARB.