HELX vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HELX (Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HELX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, HELX returned -3.93%/yr vs 7.97%/yr for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. HELX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

HELX vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HELX achieves a -1.55% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 25.13% return.

HELX

• 1D: 3.11%
• 1M: 5.81%
• YTD: -1.55%
• 6M: -4.90%
• 1Y: 33.84%
• 3Y*: 5.75%
• 5Y*: -3.93%
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 25.13%
• 6M: 21.92%
• 1Y: 40.27%
• 3Y*: 11.68%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 5.12%

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

HELX vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF	-1.55%	26.34%	-5.32%	1.14%	-37.89%	9.80%	85.05%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.13%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	12.34%	10.49%

Correlation

The correlation between HELX and FAAR is -0.14, 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	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2020	-0.00

The correlation between HELX and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to -0.00 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HELX vs. FAAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HELX	FAAR
Healthcare	96.5%	-
Basic Materials	2.7%	-
Technology	0.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	100.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HELX vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

HELX

HELX Risk / Return Rank: 42
HELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
HELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
HELX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
HELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
HELX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

HELX vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	HELX	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	3.00	-1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	4.18	-1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.51	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	8.35	-6.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.88	23.34	-18.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HELX vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HELX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HELX and FAAR, 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

	HELX	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.61	3.00	-1.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.16	0.62	-0.78
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.44	-0.20

Drawdowns

HELX vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HELX drawdown since its inception was -58.75%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HELX and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	HELX	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.75%	-18.03%	-40.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.01%	-4.85%	-13.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.48%	-11.54%	-17.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.75%	-18.03%	-40.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.22%	-1.57%	-36.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.32%	-7.84%	-26.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.95%	1.73%	+5.22%

Volatility

HELX vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) has a higher volatility of 7.45% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.36%. This indicates that HELX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HELX	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.45%	2.36%	+5.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.47%	9.70%	+6.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.07%	13.49%	+7.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.15%	13.01%	+11.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.41%	11.51%	+15.90%

HELX vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

HELX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

HELX vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

HELX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than FAAR's 9.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.20%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF	0.40%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.24%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HELX and FAAR in my portfolio?

HELX and FAAR have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HELX or FAAR?

HELX has higher volatility (7.45%) compared to FAAR (2.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HELX dropped -58.75% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, HELX or FAAR?

On 5-year performance, FAAR leads with 7.97% vs -3.93% for HELX. On fees, HELX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HELX or FAAR?

Over the 5-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 7.97% return vs -3.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HELX or FAAR?

HELX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.20%, compared with 0.40% for HELX.

What is the main difference between HELX and FAAR?

HELX is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HELX and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.00 vs 1.61), 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.