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HELS vs. MARB
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

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.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HELS achieves a 1.10% return, which is significantly lower than MARB's 1.77% return.


HELS

1D
2.03%
1M
1.43%
YTD
1.10%
6M
-1.28%
1Y
3Y*
5Y*
10Y*

MARB

1D
0.00%
1M
0.53%
YTD
1.77%
6M
1.82%
1Y
6.71%
3Y*
4.36%
5Y*
3.02%
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
1.10%-2.37%
MARB
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF
1.77%0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between HELS and MARB is -0.09, 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 11, 2025

-0.09

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Return for Risk

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.

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.


HELSMARBDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.35

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

2.71

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

22.44

HELS vs. MARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison


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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.


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Drawdown Indicators


HELSMARBDifference

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

-5.27%

0.00%

-5.27%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-5.70%

-1.39%

-4.31%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

0.29%

Volatility

HELS vs. MARB - Volatility Comparison


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Volatility by Period


HELSMARBDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

1.04%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

2.35%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

16.70%

5.35%

+11.35%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

16.70%

4.28%

+12.42%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

16.70%

5.59%

+11.11%

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%, while MARB has not paid dividends to shareholders.


PositionTTM2025202420232022
HELS
Hedgeye 130/30 Equity ETF
0.02%0.02%0.00%0.00%0.00%
MARB
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF
2.96%3.01%2.11%2.20%0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions


HELS and MARB have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

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.

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 0.02% for HELS.

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

Portfolio Optimizer

Find the right allocation for HELS and MARB

Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.

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