MARM vs SPXL
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF
Which is better, MARM or SPXL?
SPXL has been ahead.
MARM has a lower expense ratio. SPXL led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MARM | SPXL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 0.87% |
| AUM | $107M | $7.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.52% |
| Holdings | 10 | 1,030 |
| YTD Return | +4.78% | +30.47%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.26% | +39.94%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +52.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.66% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9%Best | 37.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7%Best | -49.0% |
| $10,000 over 2.5 years | $11,848 | $21,510Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2024 | Nov 5, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 27, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.5 years).
MARM vs SPXL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.5 years both funds cover.
MARM vs SPXL Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year MARM returned +6.26% while SPXL returned +39.94%. Year to date, MARM is up 4.78% versus a gain of 30.47% for SPXL.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.6% compared with 1.9% for MARM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -2.7% for MARM and -49.0% for SPXL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARM charges 0.85% per year while SPXL charges 0.87%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $87 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARM currently yields 0.00% against 0.52% for SPXL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MARM and SPXL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARM or SPXL?
MARM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPXL charges 0.87%. MARM is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MARM or SPXL?
Over the past year MARM returned +6.26% vs +39.94% for SPXL, so SPXL leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MARM or SPXL?
SPXL has been the more volatile fund at 37.6% annualized versus 1.9% for MARM. Worst drawdown: MARM -2.7% vs SPXL -49.0%.
Should I hold both MARM and SPXL?
MARM and SPXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARM or SPXL?
MARM yields 0.00% while SPXL yields 0.52%, so SPXL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SPXL better than MARM?
MARM has a lower expense ratio. SPXL led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.