FIW vs. FBT
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Water ETF (FIW) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT).
FIW and FBT are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FIW is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the ISE Clean Edge Water Index. It was launched on May 8, 2007. 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. Both FIW and FBT are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
FIW vs. FBT - Performance Comparison
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FIW vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FIW First Trust Water ETF | -4.90% | 7.20% | 8.38% | 20.35% | -15.70% | 32.00% | 21.15% | 37.37% | -9.23% | 24.69% |
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index | -2.76% | 24.25% | 5.88% | 2.55% | -4.83% | -2.26% | 12.96% | 19.74% | -0.30% | 37.07% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FIW achieves a -4.90% return, which is significantly lower than FBT's -2.76% return. Over the past 10 years, FIW has outperformed FBT with an annualized return of 12.78%, while FBT has yielded a comparatively lower 8.59% annualized return.
FIW
- 1D
- 2.21%
- 1M
- -9.31%
- YTD
- -4.90%
- 6M
- -7.85%
- 1Y
- 3.18%
- 3Y*
- 8.02%
- 5Y*
- 6.20%
- 10Y*
- 12.78%
FBT
- 1D
- 4.05%
- 1M
- -3.77%
- YTD
- -2.76%
- 6M
- 12.01%
- 1Y
- 18.05%
- 3Y*
- 9.26%
- 5Y*
- 4.70%
- 10Y*
- 8.59%
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FIW vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison
FIW has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is lower than FBT's 0.57% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
FIW vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank
FIW
FBT
FIW vs. FBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Water ETF (FIW) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT). 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.
| FIW | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.17 | 0.73 | -0.56 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.39 | 1.17 | -0.78 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.05 | 1.15 | -0.10 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.29 | 1.52 | -1.23 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.94 | 4.09 | -3.15 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FIW | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.17 | 0.73 | -0.56 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.34 | 0.22 | +0.12 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.65 | 0.36 | +0.29 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.43 | 0.50 | -0.06 |
Correlation
The correlation between FIW and FBT is 0.60, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
FIW vs. FBT - Dividend Comparison
FIW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, while FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FIW First Trust Water ETF | 0.80% | 0.69% | 0.69% | 0.68% | 0.67% | 0.37% | 0.56% | 0.55% | 0.73% | 1.13% | 0.51% | 0.76% |
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% |
Drawdowns
FIW vs. FBT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FIW drawdown since its inception was -52.75%, which is greater than FBT's maximum drawdown of -40.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FIW and FBT.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FIW | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -52.75% | -40.51% | -12.24% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.74% | -14.26% | +1.52% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.53% | -29.05% | +0.52% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.60% | -32.37% | -4.23% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -10.81% | -9.48% | -1.33% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.29% | -11.22% | +2.93% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.97% | 5.33% | -1.36% |
Volatility
FIW vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Water ETF (FIW) is 5.68%, while First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) has a volatility of 8.93%. This indicates that FIW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| FIW | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.68% | 8.93% | -3.25% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.04% | 15.57% | -4.53% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.63% | 24.96% | -6.33% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.30% | 21.72% | -3.42% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.88% | 24.06% | -4.18% |