BBP vs. FBT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BBP (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF) and FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - BBP tracks the LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index while FBT tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BBP returned 13.55%/yr vs 10.45%/yr for FBT. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBP charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for FBT.

Performance

BBP vs. FBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBP achieves a 14.66% return, which is significantly higher than FBT's 11.27% return. Over the past 10 years, BBP has outperformed FBT with an annualized return of 13.55%, while FBT has yielded a comparatively lower 10.45% annualized return.

BBP

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: 6.41%
• YTD: 14.66%
• 6M: 12.08%
• 1Y: 57.44%
• 3Y*: 19.92%
• 5Y*: 11.32%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

FBT

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 7.91%
• YTD: 11.27%
• 6M: 6.83%
• 1Y: 44.08%
• 3Y*: 13.78%
• 5Y*: 6.30%
• 10Y*: 10.45%

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

BBP vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	14.66%	33.15%	3.32%	17.88%	0.85%	-8.17%	22.24%	24.73%	-13.95%	24.07%
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index	11.27%	24.25%	5.88%	2.55%	-4.83%	-2.26%	12.96%	19.74%	-0.30%	37.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BBP and FBT is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2014	0.87

The correlation between BBP and FBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

BBP vs. FBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBP	FBT
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BBP vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBP

BBP Risk / Return Rank: 81
BBP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
BBP Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
BBP Omega Ratio Rank: 67
BBP Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
BBP Martin Ratio Rank: 90

FBT

FBT Risk / Return Rank: 63
FBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FBT Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
FBT Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

BBP vs. FBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT). 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.

	BBP	FBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	2.11	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.31	3.02	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.36	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.22	3.11	+3.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.33	9.19	+10.15

BBP vs. FBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBP Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the FBT Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBP and FBT, 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

BBP vs. FBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBP drawdown since its inception was -44.32%, which is greater than FBT's maximum drawdown of -40.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBP and FBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBP	FBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.32%	-40.51%	-3.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-14.26%	+4.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.09%	-20.05%	-6.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.89%	-28.98%	-8.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.32%	-32.37%	-11.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.98%	-11.14%	-0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	4.81%	-1.83%

Volatility

BBP vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) have volatilities of 6.39% and 6.54%, 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

	BBP	FBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.39%	6.54%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.86%	16.15%	+2.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.98%	21.06%	+2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.36%	21.88%	+4.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.42%	23.88%	+3.54%

BBP vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBP has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than FBT's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBP vs. FBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither BBP nor FBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.00%	1.29%
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index	0.00%	0.00%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBP and FBT in my portfolio?

BBP and FBT have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBP or FBT?

FBT has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to BBP (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBP dropped -44.32% vs FBT's -40.51%.

Which ETF is better, BBP or FBT?

On 10-year performance, BBP leads with 13.55% vs 10.45% for FBT. On fees, FBT is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, BBP has been the lower-risk option at 6.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBP or FBT?

Over the 10-year period, BBP has performed better with a 13.55% return vs 10.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBP or FBT?

FBT is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for BBP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBP or FBT?

BBP and FBT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BBP and FBT?

BBP tracks LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index, while FBT tracks NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BBP and 0.57% for FBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 2.11), 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.