MRGR vs. ARB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MRGR (Proshares Merger ETF) and ARB (AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Hedge Fund funds - MRGR tracks the S&P Merger Arbitrage Index while ARB tracks the Water Island Merger Arbitrage USD Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MRGR returned 4.15%/yr vs 4.01%/yr for ARB. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MRGR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for ARB.

Performance

MRGR vs. ARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) and AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRGR achieves a 2.38% return, which is significantly higher than ARB's 2.12% return.

MRGR

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 2.38%
• 6M: 2.11%
• 1Y: 11.18%
• 3Y*: 8.71%
• 5Y*: 4.15%
• 10Y*: 3.59%

ARB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 2.12%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: 4.94%
• 3Y*: 6.14%
• 5Y*: 4.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

MRGR vs. ARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MRGR Proshares Merger ETF	2.38%	11.99%	5.32%	4.94%	-4.81%	6.58%	1.85%
ARB AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF	2.12%	6.05%	4.07%	3.85%	2.67%	3.16%	3.77%

Correlation

The correlation between MRGR and ARB 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	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2020	0.42

Over the past year, the correlation between MRGR and ARB has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.42, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MRGR vs. ARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRGR

MRGR Risk / Return Rank: 92
MRGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
MRGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
MRGR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
MRGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MRGR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

ARB

ARB Risk / Return Rank: 67
ARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
ARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ARB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
ARB Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

MRGR vs. ARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) and AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB). 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.

	MRGR	ARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	1.61	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.50	2.54	+1.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.32	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.67	4.62	+4.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.70	17.70	+6.00

MRGR vs. ARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRGR Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is higher than the ARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRGR and ARB, 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

MRGR vs. ARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRGR drawdown since its inception was -13.23%, which is greater than ARB's maximum drawdown of -5.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRGR and ARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRGR	ARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.23%	-5.60%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.29%	-1.07%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.10%	-2.13%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.40%	-5.60%	-2.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-0.38%	+0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.85%	-0.94%	-2.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	0.28%	+0.19%

Volatility

MRGR vs. ARB - Volatility Comparison

Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) and AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB) have volatilities of 1.27% and 1.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRGR	ARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	1.22%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.93%	2.63%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.23%	3.10%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.84%	4.43%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.16%	4.40%	+0.76%

MRGR vs. ARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRGR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARB's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRGR vs. ARB - Dividend Comparison

MRGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.95%, more than ARB's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARB AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF	0.42%	0.43%	1.12%	0.00%	4.18%	0.00%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MRGR Proshares Merger ETF	2.95%	3.12%	3.21%	2.11%	0.61%	0.59%	0.00%	0.78%	1.39%	0.36%	0.74%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRGR and ARB in my portfolio?

MRGR and ARB 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, MRGR or ARB?

MRGR has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to ARB (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRGR dropped -13.23% vs ARB's -5.60%.

Which ETF is better, MRGR or ARB?

On 5-year performance, MRGR leads with 4.15% vs 4.01% for ARB. On fees, MRGR is cheaper at 0.75% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MRGR or ARB?

Over the 5-year period, MRGR has performed better with a 4.15% return vs 4.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MRGR or ARB?

MRGR is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for ARB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MRGR or ARB?

MRGR has the higher dividend yield at 2.95%, compared with 0.42% for ARB.

What is the main difference between MRGR and ARB?

MRGR tracks S&P Merger Arbitrage Index, while ARB tracks Water Island Merger Arbitrage USD Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Water Island Capital Partners LP. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MRGR and 0.87% for ARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MRGR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.61), 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.