MARB vs. EQLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) and EQLS (Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. MARB charges 2.30%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for EQLS.

Performance

MARB vs. EQLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MARB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 6.18%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 2.64%
• 10Y*: —

EQLS

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MARB vs. EQLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	7.02%	0.73%	3.76%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	6.82%	-4.82%	-3.63%

Correlation

The correlation between MARB and EQLS is -0.01, 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 Jun 15, 2023	-0.01

Return for Risk

MARB vs. EQLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MARB

MARB Risk / Return Rank: 52
MARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
MARB Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
MARB Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

MARB vs. EQLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS). 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.

	MARB	EQLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.98	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MARB	EQLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.17	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	MARB	EQLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.99%	—	—
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	-0.00%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MARB	EQLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.47%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.18%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.31%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.27%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.60%	—	—

MARB vs. EQLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARB has a 2.30% expense ratio, which is higher than EQLS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARB vs. EQLS - Dividend Comparison

MARB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, while EQLS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	0.45%	0.95%	8.50%	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 MARB and EQLS in my portfolio?

MARB and EQLS have a correlation of -0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MARB or EQLS?

On fees, EQLS 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, MARB or EQLS?

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

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.00% for EQLS.

What is the main difference between MARB and EQLS?

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