KGLD vs. MARB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KGLD (Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF ) and MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KGLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while MARB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. KGLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for MARB.

Performance

KGLD vs. MARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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, KGLD achieves a -5.13% return, which is significantly lower than MARB's 1.77% return.

KGLD

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: -9.30%
• YTD: -5.13%
• 6M: -9.58%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

KGLD vs. MARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	-5.13%	29.75%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.77%	4.29%

Correlation

The correlation between KGLD and MARB is -0.10, 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 8, 2025	-0.10

Return for Risk

KGLD vs. MARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

KGLD

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

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.

KGLD vs. MARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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.

	KGLD	MARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.26	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.95	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.35	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.78	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	22.96	—

Drawdowns

KGLD vs. MARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KGLD drawdown since its inception was -26.24%, which is greater than MARB's maximum drawdown of -11.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KGLD and MARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	KGLD	MARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.24%	-11.99%	-14.25%
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	-25.75%	0.00%	-25.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.98%	-1.39%	-5.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.29%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KGLD	MARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.01%	5.35%	+23.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.01%	4.28%	+24.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.01%	5.59%	+23.42%

KGLD vs. MARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

KGLD vs. MARB - Dividend Comparison

KGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.72%, more than MARB's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	13.72%	4.59%	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 KGLD and MARB in my portfolio?

KGLD and MARB have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KGLD or MARB?

On fees, KGLD 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, KGLD or MARB?

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

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

KGLD has the higher dividend yield at 13.72%, compared with 2.96% for MARB.

What is the main difference between KGLD and MARB?

KGLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while MARB is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KGLD and 2.30% for MARB.