PIPE vs. FBDC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PIPE (Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and FBDC (FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIPE is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Invesco, while FBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PIPE charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for FBDC.

Performance

PIPE vs. FBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIPE achieves a 25.83% return, which is significantly higher than FBDC's -9.51% return.

PIPE

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 25.83%
• 6M: 25.88%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBDC

• 1D: -2.98%
• 1M: -7.81%
• YTD: -9.51%
• 6M: -10.31%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PIPE vs. FBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	25.83%	0.53%
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-9.51%	-2.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PIPE and FBDC is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2025	0.07

Return for Risk

PIPE vs. FBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIPE

PIPE Risk / Return Rank: 60
PIPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PIPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PIPE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PIPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
PIPE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

PIPE vs. FBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). 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.

	PIPE	FBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.76	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PIPE	FBDC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.06	-0.70	+1.76

Drawdowns

PIPE vs. FBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIPE drawdown since its inception was -15.69%, smaller than the maximum FBDC drawdown of -20.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIPE and FBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIPE	FBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.69%	-20.60%	+4.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.20%	-17.24%	+12.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-10.14%	+6.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIPE	FBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.11%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	18.06%	-3.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.77%	18.06%	+0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.77%	18.06%	+0.71%

PIPE vs. FBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIPE has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FBDC's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIPE vs. FBDC - Dividend Comparison

PIPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.73%, less than FBDC's 11.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	11.52%	5.41%
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	3.73%	3.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIPE and FBDC in my portfolio?

PIPE and FBDC have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PIPE or FBDC?

On fees, PIPE is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIPE or FBDC?

PIPE is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.35% for FBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIPE or FBDC?

FBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.52%, compared with 3.73% for PIPE.

What is the main difference between PIPE and FBDC?

PIPE is categorized as Energy Equities, while FBDC is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PIPE and 1.35% for FBDC.