MRGR vs. DBEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MRGR (Proshares Merger ETF) and DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) are both Hedge Fund funds - MRGR tracks the S&P Merger Arbitrage Index while DBEF tracks the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MRGR returned 3.47%/yr vs 12.12%/yr for DBEF. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MRGR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for DBEF.

Performance

MRGR vs. DBEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRGR achieves a 1.83% return, which is significantly lower than DBEF's 10.25% return. Over the past 10 years, MRGR has underperformed DBEF with an annualized return of 3.47%, while DBEF has yielded a comparatively higher 12.12% annualized return.

MRGR

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 1.48%
• 1Y: 11.14%
• 3Y*: 8.65%
• 5Y*: 3.99%
• 10Y*: 3.47%

DBEF

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 4.76%
• YTD: 10.25%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: 24.51%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 12.12%

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

MRGR vs. DBEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MRGR Proshares Merger ETF	1.83%	11.99%	5.32%	4.94%	-4.81%	6.58%	1.99%	4.31%	3.42%	2.08%
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	10.25%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%

Correlation

The correlation between MRGR and DBEF is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2012	0.20

MRGR vs. DBEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MRGR	DBEF
Healthcare	22.7%	10.5%
Industrials	17.6%	19.9%
Financial Services	12.7%	24.6%
Real Estate	12.6%	1.9%
Basic Materials	5.8%	5.9%
Energy	5.6%	4.1%
Utilities	5.4%	3.9%
Technology	5.1%	10.3%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	6.8%

Return for Risk

MRGR vs. DBEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRGR

MRGR Risk / Return Rank: 90
MRGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
MRGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
MRGR Omega Ratio Rank: 88
MRGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
MRGR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 57
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. DBEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF). 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.

	MRGR	DBEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	1.99	+0.73
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.63	2.80	+1.83
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.37	+0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.65	2.62	+6.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	23.71	11.01	+12.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MRGR vs. DBEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRGR Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is higher than the DBEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRGR and DBEF, 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

	MRGR	DBEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72	1.99	+0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	0.96	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.77	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.55	-0.19

Drawdowns

MRGR vs. DBEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRGR drawdown since its inception was -13.23%, smaller than the maximum DBEF drawdown of -32.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRGR and DBEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRGR	DBEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.23%	-32.46%	+19.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.29%	-9.41%	+8.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.10%	-14.62%	+12.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.40%	-14.95%	+6.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.23%	-32.46%	+19.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.47%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-4.74%	+0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	2.23%	-1.76%

Volatility

MRGR vs. DBEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Proshares Merger ETF (MRGR) is 1.08%, while Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) has a volatility of 3.99%. This indicates that MRGR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRGR	DBEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	3.99%	-2.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.95%	10.14%	-7.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.11%	12.37%	-8.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.82%	13.74%	-9.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.15%	15.79%	-10.64%

MRGR vs. DBEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRGR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DBEF's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRGR vs. DBEF - Dividend Comparison

MRGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.97%, less than DBEF's 5.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	5.03%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%
MRGR Proshares Merger ETF	2.97%	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 DBEF in my portfolio?

MRGR and DBEF have a correlation of 0.21, 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 DBEF?

DBEF has higher volatility (3.99%) compared to MRGR (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRGR dropped -13.23% vs DBEF's -32.46%.

Which ETF is better, MRGR or DBEF?

On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.12% vs 3.47% for MRGR. On fees, DBEF is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, MRGR has been the lower-risk option at 1.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MRGR or DBEF?

Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.12% return vs 3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MRGR or DBEF?

DBEF is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for MRGR.

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

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 5.03%, compared with 2.97% for MRGR.

What is the main difference between MRGR and DBEF?

MRGR tracks S&P Merger Arbitrage Index, while DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and DWS. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MRGR and 0.36% for DBEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MRGR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 vs 1.99), 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.