EKG vs. PBPH

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EKG (First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF) and PBPH (Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - EKG tracks the NASDAQ Lux Health Tech Index while PBPH tracks the BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EKG charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for PBPH.

Performance

EKG vs. PBPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) and Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EKG achieves a -4.18% return, which is significantly lower than PBPH's 3.39% return.

EKG

• 1D: 3.43%
• 1M: 9.19%
• YTD: -4.18%
• 6M: -5.58%
• 1Y: 4.48%
• 3Y*: 0.88%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBPH

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 3.39%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EKG vs. PBPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EKG First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF	-4.18%	-3.22%
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	3.39%	0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between EKG and PBPH is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2025	0.35

Return for Risk

EKG vs. PBPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

EKG

EKG Risk / Return Rank: 11
EKG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
EKG Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
EKG Omega Ratio Rank: 11
EKG Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
EKG Martin Ratio Rank: 11

PBPH

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

EKG vs. PBPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) and Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH). 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.

	EKG	PBPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.20	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.20	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.44	—	—

Drawdowns

EKG vs. PBPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EKG drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, which is greater than PBPH's maximum drawdown of -11.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKG and PBPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	EKG	PBPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-11.10%	-32.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.56%	-4.51%	-11.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.59%	-4.36%	-18.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.19%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EKG	PBPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.59%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.85%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	17.04%	+5.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.12%	17.04%	+10.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.12%	17.04%	+10.08%

EKG vs. PBPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

EKG has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than PBPH's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

EKG vs. PBPH - Dividend Comparison

EKG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%.

Position	TTM	2025
EKG First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF	0.00%	0.00%
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	0.09%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EKG and PBPH in my portfolio?

EKG and PBPH have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EKG or PBPH?

On fees, PBPH is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EKG or PBPH?

PBPH is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for EKG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EKG or PBPH?

PBPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for EKG.

What is the main difference between EKG and PBPH?

EKG tracks NASDAQ Lux Health Tech Index, while PBPH tracks BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Portfolio Building Block. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for EKG and 0.13% for PBPH.