XBI vs. FBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) and FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - XBI tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index while FBT tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XBI returned 8.53%/yr vs 8.86%/yr for FBT. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XBI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for FBT.

Performance

XBI vs. FBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) 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, XBI achieves a 6.48% return, which is significantly lower than FBT's 7.08% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with XBI having a 8.53% annualized return and FBT not far ahead at 8.86%.

XBI

• 1D: 1.62%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 6.48%
• 6M: 6.92%
• 1Y: 58.25%
• 3Y*: 14.73%
• 5Y*: 0.59%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

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)

XBI vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	6.48%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%
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 XBI and FBT is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2006	0.88

The correlation between XBI and FBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

XBI vs. FBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XBI	FBT
Healthcare	99.8%	100.0%
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	0.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XBI vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 74
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 60
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

XBI vs. FBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) 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.

	XBI	FBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.74	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	2.56	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.02	2.53	+3.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.30	7.43	+10.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XBI vs. FBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XBI Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the FBT Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XBI 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

	XBI	FBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	1.74	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.02	0.31	-0.29
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	0.36	0.51	-0.15

Drawdowns

XBI vs. FBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XBI drawdown since its inception was -63.89%, which is greater than FBT's maximum drawdown of -40.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XBI and FBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XBI	FBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.89%	-40.51%	-23.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.72%	-14.26%	+4.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.99%	-20.05%	-12.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.71%	-29.05%	-25.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.89%	-32.37%	-31.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.96%	-0.72%	-24.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.93%	-11.17%	-9.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	4.85%	-1.66%

Volatility

XBI vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a higher volatility of 9.26% compared to First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) at 6.94%. This indicates that XBI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XBI	FBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.26%	6.94%	+2.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.18%	15.87%	+4.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.50%	20.79%	+4.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.18%	21.89%	+10.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	23.91%	+8.09%

XBI vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

XBI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FBT's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

XBI vs. FBT - Dividend Comparison

XBI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, 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%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XBI and FBT in my portfolio?

XBI and FBT have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XBI or FBT?

XBI has higher volatility (9.26%) compared to FBT (6.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XBI dropped -63.89% vs FBT's -40.51%.

Which ETF is better, XBI or FBT?

On 10-year performance, FBT leads with 8.86% vs 8.53% for XBI. On fees, XBI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XBI or FBT?

Over the 10-year period, FBT has performed better with a 8.86% return vs 8.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XBI or FBT?

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

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

XBI has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

What is the main difference between XBI and FBT?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 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.