FBT vs. XPH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) and XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - FBT tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index while XPH tracks the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FBT returned 8.86%/yr vs 3.44%/yr for XPH. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FBT charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XPH.

Performance

FBT vs. XPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBT achieves a 7.08% return, which is significantly higher than XPH's 0.66% return. Over the past 10 years, FBT has outperformed XPH with an annualized return of 8.86%, while XPH has yielded a comparatively lower 3.44% 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%

XPH

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: -4.74%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 37.98%
• 3Y*: 13.07%
• 5Y*: 3.50%
• 10Y*: 3.44%

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

FBT vs. XPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.66%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	14.68%	25.61%	-15.32%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FBT and XPH is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2006	0.76

The correlation between FBT and XPH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

FBT vs. XPH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

FBT vs. XPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

FBT

FBT Risk / Return Rank: 49
FBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FBT Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FBT Martin Ratio Rank: 45

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 55
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 46
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. XPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). 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.

	FBT	XPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.77	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.51	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	3.19	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.43	11.37	-3.95
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. XPH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FBT Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the XPH Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FBT and XPH, 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

	FBT	XPH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	1.77	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.17	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.16	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.38	+0.13

Drawdowns

FBT vs. XPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBT drawdown since its inception was -40.51%, smaller than the maximum XPH drawdown of -48.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBT and XPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FBT	XPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.51%	-48.03%	+7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.26%	-11.97%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.05%	-23.57%	+3.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.05%	-31.63%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.37%	-35.97%	+3.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-7.22%	+6.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.17%	-17.25%	+6.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.85%	3.35%	+1.50%

Volatility

FBT vs. XPH - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) have volatilities of 6.94% and 7.03%, 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

	FBT	XPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.94%	7.03%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.87%	16.77%	-0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.79%	21.52%	-0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.89%	20.84%	+1.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.91%	22.10%	+1.81%

FBT vs. XPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBT has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than XPH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBT vs. XPH - Dividend Comparison

FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%.

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%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.66%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FBT and XPH in my portfolio?

FBT and XPH have a correlation of 0.71, 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 XPH?

XPH has higher volatility (7.03%) compared to FBT (6.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBT dropped -40.51% vs XPH's -48.03%.

Which ETF is better, FBT or XPH?

On 10-year performance, FBT leads with 8.86% vs 3.44% for XPH. On fees, XPH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FBT or XPH?

Over the 10-year period, FBT has performed better with a 8.86% return vs 3.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FBT or XPH?

XPH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FBT.

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

XPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

What is the main difference between FBT and XPH?

FBT tracks NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index, while XPH tracks S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FBT and 0.35% for XPH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 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.