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FBT vs. DBE
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

FBT vs. DBE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FBT is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FBT returned 8.86%/yr vs 12.03%/yr for DBE. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FBT charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.

Performance

FBT vs. DBE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBT achieves a 7.08% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 83.68% return. Over the past 10 years, FBT has underperformed DBE with an annualized return of 8.86%, while DBE has yielded a comparatively higher 12.03% annualized return.

FBT

1D
2.92%
1M
6.19%
YTD
7.08%
6M
3.95%
1Y
35.94%
3Y*
12.40%
5Y*
6.79%
10Y*
8.86%

DBE

1D
2.33%
1M
-5.45%
YTD
83.68%
6M
74.95%
1Y
84.41%
3Y*
23.42%
5Y*
19.66%
10Y*
12.03%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FBT vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
FBT
First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index		7.08%24.25%5.88%2.55%-4.83%-2.26%12.96%19.74%-0.30%37.07%
DBE
Invesco DB Energy Fund		83.68%-2.17%2.96%-12.14%33.77%57.56%-25.91%19.72%-12.95%5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FBT and DBE is -0.27, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

-0.27

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

-0.11

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

-0.01

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.10

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2007

0.16

The correlation between FBT and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.27 (1 year) to 0.16 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index

Invesco DB Energy Fund

Often compared with FBT:
FBT vs. XBIFBT vs. BBHFBT vs. IBBFBT vs. BBPFBT vs. FXHFBT vs. PBEFBT vs. HELX
Often compared with DBE:
DBE vs. DBBDBE vs. XLEDBE vs. VDEDBE vs. COMTDBE vs. XLKDBE vs. GLDDBE vs. TIP

Return for Risk

FBT vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
FBT
FBT Risk / Return Rank: 4949
Overall Rank
FBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5050
Sharpe Ratio Rank
FBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 5252
Sortino Ratio Rank
FBT Omega Ratio Rank: 4848
Omega Ratio Rank
FBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 5252
Calmar Ratio Rank
FBT Martin Ratio Rank: 4545
Martin Ratio Rank
DBE
DBE Risk / Return Rank: 7171
Overall Rank
DBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7474
Sharpe Ratio Rank
DBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 6363
Sortino Ratio Rank
DBE Omega Ratio Rank: 6565
Omega Ratio Rank
DBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 9191
Calmar Ratio Rank
DBE Martin Ratio Rank: 6363
Martin Ratio Rank
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.

FBT vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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.

FBTDBEDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
1.74
2.43

-0.69

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
2.56
2.96

-0.40

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.31

1.40

-0.09

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

2.53

5.89

-3.36

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

7.43

11.53

-4.10

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FBT vs. DBE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FBT Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the DBE Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FBT and DBE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Sharpe Ratios by Period

FBTDBEDifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

1.74

2.43

-0.69

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.31

0.67

-0.36

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.37

0.43

-0.05

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.51

0.09

+0.42

Drawdowns

FBT vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBT drawdown since its inception was -40.51%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBT and DBE.

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Drawdown Indicators

FBTDBEDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-40.51%

-86.69%

+46.18%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-14.26%

-14.41%

+0.15%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-20.05%

-23.89%

+3.84%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-29.05%

-38.74%

+9.69%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-32.37%

-60.84%

+28.47%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-0.72%

-30.27%

+29.55%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-11.17%

-57.31%

+46.14%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

4.85%

7.35%

-2.50%

Volatility

FBT vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) is 6.94%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 12.95%. This indicates that FBT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

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Volatility by Period

FBTDBEDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

6.94%

12.95%

-6.01%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

15.87%

30.86%

-14.99%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

20.79%

34.97%

-14.18%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

21.89%

29.39%

-7.50%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

23.91%

28.33%

-4.42%

FBT vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBT has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBT vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison

FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
DBE
Invesco DB Energy Fund		2.10%3.86%6.32%3.87%0.75%0.00%0.00%1.79%1.67%0.00%0.00%0.00%
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

FBT and DBE have a correlation of -0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

DBE has higher volatility (12.95%) compared to FBT (6.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBT dropped -40.51% vs DBE's -86.69%.

On 10-year performance, DBE leads with 12.03% vs 8.86% for FBT. On fees, FBT is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, FBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, DBE has performed better with a 12.03% return vs 8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

FBT is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.

DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

FBT is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while DBE is Oil & Gas. FBT tracks NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FBT and 0.78% for DBE.

DBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.74), 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.

Portfolio Optimizer

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