MARB vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) and KNG (FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MARB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. MARB is actively managed, while KNG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MARB returned 2.64%/yr vs 4.31%/yr for KNG. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MARB charges 2.30%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

MARB vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MARB achieves a 1.26% return, which is significantly lower than KNG's 2.20% return.

MARB

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

KNG

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 7.44%
• 3Y*: 7.06%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

MARB vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	7.02%	0.73%	2.16%	3.89%	0.26%	-2.35%
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	2.20%	6.63%	5.99%	7.48%	-7.03%	24.78%	6.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MARB and KNG is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2020	0.25

MARB vs. KNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MARB	KNG
Healthcare	29.7%	10.1%
Real Estate	20.0%	4.4%
Communication Services	15.2%	-
Financial Services	15.0%	12.7%
Technology	14.3%	4.3%
Industrials	9.1%	20.3%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	5.5%
Basic Materials	-	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	23.5%
Energy	-	3.0%
Utilities	-	6.1%

Return for Risk

MARB vs. KNG — 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

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 20
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 19
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	0.73	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	1.15	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.13	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	0.87	+1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.98	2.25	+18.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MARB vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MARB Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is higher than the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MARB and KNG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MARB	KNG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.17	0.73	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.32	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.49	-0.13

Drawdowns

MARB vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARB drawdown since its inception was -11.99%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARB and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARB	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.99%	-35.12%	+23.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.43%	-8.61%	+6.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.67%	-14.24%	+10.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-3.67%	-18.20%	+14.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.00%	-5.89%	+5.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	-4.13%	+2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	3.32%	-3.02%

Volatility

MARB vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is 0.47%, while FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) has a volatility of 2.29%. This indicates that MARB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MARB	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.47%	2.29%	-1.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.18%	7.39%	-5.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.31%	10.19%	-4.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.27%	13.59%	-9.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.60%	17.18%	-11.58%

MARB vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARB has a 2.30% expense ratio, which is higher than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARB vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

MARB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, less than KNG's 8.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.67%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.98%	3.01%	2.11%	2.20%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARB and KNG in my portfolio?

MARB and KNG have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MARB or KNG?

KNG has higher volatility (2.29%) compared to MARB (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MARB dropped -11.99% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, MARB or KNG?

On 5-year performance, KNG leads with 4.31% vs 2.64% for MARB. On fees, KNG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, MARB has been the lower-risk option at 0.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MARB or KNG?

Over the 5-year period, KNG has performed better with a 4.31% return vs 2.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MARB or KNG?

KNG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.67%, compared with 2.98% for MARB.

What is the main difference between MARB and KNG?

MARB is categorized as Long-Short, while KNG is Dividend. Their fees differ too: 2.30% for MARB and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MARB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 0.73), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.