IBB vs. FBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index while FBT tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IBB returned 6.23%/yr vs 8.86%/yr for FBT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IBB charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for FBT.

Performance

IBB vs. FBT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBB achieves a -0.68% return, which is significantly lower than FBT's 7.08% return. Over the past 10 years, IBB has underperformed FBT with an annualized return of 6.23%, while FBT has yielded a comparatively higher 8.86% annualized return.

IBB

• 1D: 1.97%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: -0.68%
• 6M: -2.57%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 9.40%
• 5Y*: 2.10%
• 10Y*: 6.23%

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%

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

IBB vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	-0.68%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	0.95%	26.01%	25.42%	-9.53%	21.08%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between IBB and FBT is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2006	0.92

The correlation between IBB and FBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBB vs. FBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

IBB vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 56
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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

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.

IBB vs. FBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 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.

	IBB	FBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.74	+0.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.56	-0.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.31	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	2.53	+1.07
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.43	7.43	+4.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBB vs. FBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

	IBB	FBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	1.74	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10	0.31	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27	0.37	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.51	-0.26

Drawdowns

IBB vs. FBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBB drawdown since its inception was -62.85%, which is greater than FBT's maximum drawdown of -40.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBB and FBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBB	FBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.85%	-40.51%	-22.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-14.26%	+4.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	-20.05%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.82%	-29.05%	-10.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.82%	-32.37%	-7.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.64%	-0.72%	-4.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.18%	-11.17%	-10.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	4.85%	-1.82%

Volatility

IBB vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) have volatilities of 6.86% and 6.94%, 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

	IBB	FBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	6.94%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.38%	15.87%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.89%	20.79%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.99%	21.89%	+0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.22%	23.91%	-0.69%

IBB vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBB has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than FBT's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBB vs. FBT - Dividend Comparison

IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, while FBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

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%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.23%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBB and FBT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, IBB and FBT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IBB or FBT?

FBT has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to IBB (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBB dropped -62.85% vs FBT's -40.51%.

Which ETF is better, IBB or FBT?

On 10-year performance, FBT leads with 8.86% vs 6.23% for IBB. On fees, IBB is cheaper at 0.47% 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, IBB or FBT?

Over the 10-year period, FBT has performed better with a 8.86% return vs 6.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBB or FBT?

IBB is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FBT.

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

IBB has the higher dividend yield at 0.23%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

What is the main difference between IBB and FBT?

IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, while FBT tracks NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBB and 0.57% for FBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 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.