CIBR vs. SPAM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and SPAM (Themes Cybersecurity ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - CIBR tracks the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index while SPAM tracks the Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CIBR returned 25.78% vs 30.91% for SPAM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SPAM.

Performance

CIBR vs. SPAM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIBR achieves a 28.52% return, which is significantly lower than SPAM's 33.77% return.

CIBR

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: 31.43%
• YTD: 28.52%
• 6M: 24.03%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 28.32%
• 5Y*: 16.28%
• 10Y*: 18.49%

SPAM

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: 24.26%
• YTD: 33.77%
• 6M: 25.92%
• 1Y: 30.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CIBR vs. SPAM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	28.52%	13.06%	18.21%	5.81%
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	33.77%	4.86%	10.58%	5.42%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and SPAM is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2023	0.88

The correlation between CIBR and SPAM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

CIBR vs. SPAM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	SPAM
Technology	94.0%	88.9%
Industrials	3.5%	4.0%
Communication Services	2.6%	6.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. SPAM — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 26
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

SPAM

SPAM Risk / Return Rank: 28
SPAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SPAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SPAM Omega Ratio Rank: 30
SPAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
SPAM Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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. SPAM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	CIBR	SPAM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	1.15	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	1.64	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.21	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	1.29	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.79	2.90	-0.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CIBR vs. SPAM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is comparable to the SPAM Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR and SPAM, 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

	CIBR	SPAM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.06	1.15	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.89	-0.23

Drawdowns

CIBR vs. SPAM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, which is greater than SPAM's maximum drawdown of -24.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and SPAM.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	SPAM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-24.02%	-9.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-24.02%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-3.90%	+1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.66%	-6.53%	-2.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.25%	10.69%	-1.44%

Volatility

CIBR vs. SPAM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) have volatilities of 10.90% and 10.67%, 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

	CIBR	SPAM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.90%	10.67%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.90%	22.35%	-1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.50%	27.01%	-2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.95%	24.72%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	24.72%	-1.12%

CIBR vs. SPAM - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPAM's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. SPAM - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than SPAM's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.45%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	0.37%	0.49%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and SPAM in my portfolio?

CIBR and SPAM have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or SPAM?

CIBR has higher volatility (10.90%) compared to SPAM (10.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs SPAM's -24.02%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or SPAM?

On 1-year performance, SPAM leads with 30.91% vs 25.78% for CIBR. On fees, SPAM is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SPAM has been the lower-risk option at 10.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or SPAM?

Over the 1-year period, SPAM has performed better with a 30.91% return vs 25.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or SPAM?

SPAM is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

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

CIBR has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.37% for SPAM.

What is the main difference between CIBR and SPAM?

CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while SPAM tracks Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Themes. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.35% for SPAM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 1.06), 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.