FBT vs. IBB
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB).
FBT and IBB are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FBT is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. It was launched on Jun 23, 2006. IBB is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. It was launched on Feb 5, 2001. Both FBT and IBB are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: FBT or IBB.
Key characteristics
| FBT | IBB | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -6.97% | -3.74% |
| 1Y Return | -3.40% | 0.29% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -3.15% | -5.22% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 1.20% | 4.18% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 7.01% | 5.57% |
| Sharpe Ratio | -0.20 | 0.06 |
| Daily Std Dev | 17.47% | 16.65% |
| Max Drawdown | -40.51% | -62.85% |
| Current Drawdown | -19.36% | -25.26% |
Correlation
The correlation between FBT and IBB is 0.92, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
FBT vs. IBB - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, FBT achieves a -6.97% return, which is significantly lower than IBB's -3.74% return. Over the past 10 years, FBT has outperformed IBB with an annualized return of 7.01%, while IBB has yielded a comparatively lower 5.57% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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FBT vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison
FBT has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
FBT vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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.
Dividends
FBT vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison
FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.37% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.12% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF | 0.31% | 0.26% | 0.31% | 0.21% | 0.21% | 0.17% | 0.20% | 0.30% | 0.19% | 0.03% | 0.15% | 0.03% |
Drawdowns
FBT vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FBT drawdown since its inception was -40.51%, smaller than the maximum IBB drawdown of -62.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBT and IBB. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
FBT vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) have volatilities of 5.50% and 5.66%, 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.