CIBR vs. BUG

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and BUG (Global X Cybersecurity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while BUG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Cybersecurity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CIBR returned 14.90%/yr vs 7.67%/yr for BUG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for BUG.

Performance

CIBR vs. BUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIBR achieves a 29.60% return, which is significantly lower than BUG's 34.21% return.

CIBR

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 9.75%
• 6M: 28.77%
• YTD: 29.60%
• 1Y: 25.40%
• 3Y*: 26.08%
• 5Y*: 14.90%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

BUG

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 21.52%
• 6M: 37.00%
• YTD: 34.21%
• 1Y: 15.88%
• 3Y*: 18.49%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: —

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

CIBR vs. BUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	29.60%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	4.57%
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	34.21%	-5.04%	9.59%	41.40%	-33.63%	13.24%	70.83%	6.21%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and BUG is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.94

The correlation between CIBR and BUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

CIBR vs. BUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	BUG
Technology	95.4%	100.0%
Industrials	2.7%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. BUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 31
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 32
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 26

BUG

BUG Risk / Return Rank: 18
BUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
BUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
BUG Omega Ratio Rank: 20
BUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
BUG Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

CIBR vs. BUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG). 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.

	CIBR	BUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	0.49	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	0.88	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.11	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	0.45	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.69	0.99	+1.70

CIBR vs. BUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is higher than the BUG Sharpe Ratio of 0.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR and BUG, 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

CIBR vs. BUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum BUG drawdown of -41.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and BUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	BUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-41.66%	+7.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-35.16%	+13.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-37.69%	+15.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-41.66%	+7.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.50%	-2.64%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.63%	-14.27%	+5.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.48%	16.11%	-6.63%

Volatility

CIBR vs. BUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) is 7.76%, while Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) has a volatility of 11.18%. This indicates that CIBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIBR	BUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.76%	11.18%	-3.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.48%	28.05%	-5.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.77%	32.46%	-6.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.25%	28.93%	-3.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.62%	29.48%	-5.86%

CIBR vs. BUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than BUG's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. BUG - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, more than BUG's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.09%	0.10%	1.56%	0.66%	0.46%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.42%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and BUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, CIBR and BUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CIBR or BUG?

BUG has higher volatility (11.18%) compared to CIBR (7.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs BUG's -41.66%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or BUG?

On 5-year performance, CIBR leads with 14.90% vs 7.67% for BUG. On fees, BUG is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CIBR has been the lower-risk option at 7.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or BUG?

Over the 5-year period, CIBR has performed better with a 14.90% return vs 7.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or BUG?

BUG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CIBR or BUG?

CIBR has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.03% for BUG.

What is the main difference between CIBR and BUG?

CIBR is categorized as Cybersecurity, while BUG is Technology Equities. CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while BUG tracks Indxx Cybersecurity Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.50% for BUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CIBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.99 vs 0.49), 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.