MARB vs. QAI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MARB (First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF) and QAI (IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF) are both Long-Short funds. MARB is actively managed, while QAI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MARB returned 3.02%/yr vs 4.42%/yr for QAI. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MARB charges 2.30%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QAI.

Performance

MARB vs. QAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MARB achieves a 1.77% return, which is significantly lower than QAI's 8.45% return.

MARB

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

QAI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 8.45%
• 6M: 7.95%
• 1Y: 14.69%
• 3Y*: 9.95%
• 5Y*: 4.42%
• 10Y*: 3.94%

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

MARB vs. QAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.77%	7.02%	0.73%	2.16%	3.89%	0.26%	-2.55%
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	8.45%	8.29%	6.67%	10.07%	-8.68%	-0.16%	5.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MARB and QAI 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2020	0.22

Over the past year, the correlation between MARB and QAI has dropped to 0.01 - well below their long-term average of 0.22, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MARB vs. QAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

QAI

QAI Risk / Return Rank: 82
QAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
QAI Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
QAI Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. QAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) and IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). 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.

	MARB	QAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	2.25	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	3.12	-1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.45	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	3.97	-1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.44	15.61	+6.82

MARB vs. QAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MARB Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the QAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MARB and QAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MARB vs. QAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARB drawdown since its inception was -11.99%, smaller than the maximum QAI drawdown of -14.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARB and QAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARB	QAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.99%	-14.95%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.43%	-3.71%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.67%	-7.78%	+4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-3.67%	-14.32%	+10.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.20%	+1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.39%	-2.57%	+1.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	0.94%	-0.65%

Volatility

MARB vs. QAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF (MARB) is 1.04%, while IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) has a volatility of 3.12%. This indicates that MARB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MARB	QAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	3.12%	-2.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.35%	5.62%	-3.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.35%	6.57%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.28%	6.67%	-2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.59%	6.22%	-0.63%

MARB vs. QAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARB has a 2.30% expense ratio, which is higher than QAI's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARB vs. QAI - Dividend Comparison

MARB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than QAI's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MARB First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.96%	3.01%	2.11%	2.20%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	1.39%	1.50%	2.22%	4.08%	2.00%	0.28%	1.98%	1.91%	1.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARB and QAI in my portfolio?

MARB and QAI 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 is riskier, MARB or QAI?

QAI has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to MARB (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MARB dropped -11.99% vs QAI's -14.95%.

Which ETF is better, MARB or QAI?

On 5-year performance, QAI leads with 4.42% vs 3.02% for MARB. On fees, QAI is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, MARB has been the lower-risk option at 1.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MARB or QAI?

Over the 5-year period, QAI has performed better with a 4.42% return vs 3.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MARB or QAI?

QAI is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 2.30% for MARB.

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

MARB has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 1.39% for QAI.

What is the main difference between MARB and QAI?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 2.30% for MARB and 0.79% for QAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.23), 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.