FBT vs. HELX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) and HELX (Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. FBT is passively managed, while HELX is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FBT returned 6.30%/yr vs -5.20%/yr for HELX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FBT charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for HELX.

Performance

FBT vs. HELX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBT achieves a 11.27% return, which is significantly higher than HELX's 0.05% return.

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%

HELX

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 6.20%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: -2.14%
• 1Y: 33.73%
• 3Y*: 6.84%
• 5Y*: -5.20%
• 10Y*: —

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

FBT vs. HELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index	11.27%	24.25%	5.88%	2.55%	-4.83%	-2.26%	14.50%
HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF	0.05%	26.34%	-5.32%	1.14%	-37.89%	9.80%	83.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FBT and HELX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2020	0.82

The correlation between FBT and HELX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

FBT vs. HELX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FBT	HELX
Healthcare	100.0%	96.5%
Basic Materials	-	2.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FBT vs. HELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

HELX

HELX Risk / Return Rank: 42
HELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
HELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
HELX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
HELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
HELX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. HELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX). 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.

	FBT	HELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.59	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.29	+0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.27	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	1.88	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.19	4.77	+4.41

FBT vs. HELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FBT Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the HELX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FBT and HELX, 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

FBT vs. HELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBT drawdown since its inception was -40.51%, smaller than the maximum HELX drawdown of -58.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBT and HELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FBT	HELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.51%	-58.75%	+18.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.26%	-18.01%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.05%	-29.48%	+9.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.98%	-58.75%	+29.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-37.22%	+37.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.14%	-34.33%	+23.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.81%	7.09%	-2.28%

Volatility

FBT vs. HELX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) is 6.54%, while Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) has a volatility of 6.94%. This indicates that FBT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HELX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FBT	HELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.54%	6.94%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.15%	16.93%	-0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.06%	21.40%	-0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.88%	24.14%	-2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.88%	27.37%	-3.49%

FBT vs. HELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBT has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than HELX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBT vs. HELX - Dividend Comparison

FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HELX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF	0.39%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.24%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FBT and HELX in my portfolio?

FBT and HELX 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, FBT or HELX?

HELX has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to FBT (6.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBT dropped -40.51% vs HELX's -58.75%.

Which ETF is better, FBT or HELX?

On 5-year performance, FBT leads with 6.30% vs -5.20% for HELX. On fees, HELX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FBT or HELX?

Over the 5-year period, FBT has performed better with a 6.30% return vs -5.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FBT or HELX?

HELX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FBT.

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

HELX has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

What is the main difference between FBT and HELX?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FBT and 0.50% for HELX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FBT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.59), 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.