HFEQ vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

HFEQ (Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HFEQ charges 1.00%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

HFEQ vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) 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, HFEQ achieves a 9.98% return, which is significantly higher than MARB's 1.77% return.

HFEQ

• 1D: -3.97%
• 1M: -1.18%
• YTD: 9.98%
• 6M: 8.00%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MARB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.77%
• 6M: 1.91%
• 1Y: 6.56%
• 3Y*: 4.36%
• 5Y*: 3.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

HFEQ vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.98%	14.35%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.77%	3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between HFEQ and MARB is 0.06, 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 Jul 15, 2025	0.06

Return for Risk

HFEQ vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFEQ

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

MARB

MARB Risk / Return Rank: 60
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

HFEQ vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) 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.

	HFEQ	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.23	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.91	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.35	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.71	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	22.44	—

Drawdowns

HFEQ vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFEQ drawdown since its inception was -12.46%, roughly equal to the maximum MARB drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFEQ and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFEQ	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.46%	-11.99%	-0.47%
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	-3.97%	0.00%	-3.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.44%	-1.39%	-1.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.29%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFEQ	MARB	Difference
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	21.90%	5.35%	+16.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.90%	4.28%	+17.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.90%	5.59%	+16.31%

HFEQ vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFEQ has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is lower than MARB's 2.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFEQ vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

HFEQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MARB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.59%	10.55%	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

Can I hold both HFEQ and MARB in my portfolio?

HFEQ and MARB have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HFEQ or MARB?

On fees, HFEQ is cheaper at 1.00% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFEQ or MARB?

HFEQ is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

HFEQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.59%, compared with 2.96% for MARB.

What is the main difference between HFEQ and MARB?

They also come from different issuers: Unlimited and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for HFEQ and 2.30% for MARB.