MARO vs. BUYW

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MARO (YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF) and BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MARO returned -47.65% vs 9.73% for BUYW. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MARO charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BUYW.

Performance

MARO vs. BUYW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MARO achieves a 8.43% return, which is significantly higher than BUYW's 4.85% return.

MARO

• 1D: -6.42%
• 1M: -14.88%
• 6M: -3.69%
• YTD: 8.43%
• 1Y: -47.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUYW

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 1.13%
• 6M: 4.85%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 1Y: 9.73%
• 3Y*: 8.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MARO vs. BUYW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MARO YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF	8.43%	-48.05%	-23.63%
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	4.85%	9.08%	0.22%

Correlation

The correlation between MARO and BUYW is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.37

Return for Risk

MARO vs. BUYW — Risk / Return Rank

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

MARO

MARO Risk / Return Rank: 3
MARO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MARO Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
MARO Omega Ratio Rank: 4
MARO Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MARO Martin Ratio Rank: 4

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 83
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
BUYW 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.

MARO vs. BUYW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). 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.

	MARO	BUYW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.75	2.02	-2.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.96	3.00	-3.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.39	-0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.73	3.77	-4.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.16	20.14	-21.30

MARO vs. BUYW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MARO Sharpe Ratio is -0.75, which is lower than the BUYW Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MARO and BUYW, 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

MARO vs. BUYW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARO drawdown since its inception was -71.75%, which is greater than BUYW's maximum drawdown of -9.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARO and BUYW.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARO	BUYW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.75%	-9.36%	-62.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-65.51%	-2.59%	-62.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-58.68%	0.00%	-58.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-42.75%	-0.59%	-42.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	41.27%	0.48%	+40.79%

Volatility

MARO vs. BUYW - Volatility Comparison

YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) has a higher volatility of 19.06% compared to Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) at 1.31%. This indicates that MARO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUYW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MARO	BUYW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.06%	1.31%	+17.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	49.63%	3.89%	+45.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	63.77%	4.84%	+58.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	65.54%	8.38%	+57.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	65.54%	8.38%	+57.16%

MARO vs. BUYW - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARO has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than BUYW's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARO vs. BUYW - Dividend Comparison

MARO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 235.32%, more than BUYW's 5.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.88%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%
MARO YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF	235.32%	277.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARO and BUYW in my portfolio?

MARO and BUYW have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MARO or BUYW?

MARO has higher volatility (19.06%) compared to BUYW (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MARO dropped -71.75% vs BUYW's -9.36%.

Which ETF is better, MARO or BUYW?

On 1-year performance, BUYW leads with 9.73% vs -47.65% for MARO. On fees, MARO is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, BUYW has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MARO or BUYW?

Over the 1-year period, BUYW has performed better with a 9.73% return vs -47.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MARO or BUYW?

MARO is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MARO or BUYW?

MARO has the higher dividend yield at 235.32%, compared with 5.88% for BUYW.

What is the main difference between MARO and BUYW?

They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and Main Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for MARO and 1.29% for BUYW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs -0.75), 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.