XBI vs. FBT
Compare and contrast key facts about SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT).
XBI and FBT are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. XBI is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. It was launched on Feb 6, 2006. 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 XBI 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
XBI vs. FBT - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
XBI vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | 4.76% | 35.89% | 1.01% | 7.60% | -25.87% | -20.45% | 48.33% | 32.56% | -15.28% | 43.77% |
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, XBI achieves a 4.76% return, which is significantly higher than FBT's -2.76% return. Over the past 10 years, XBI has outperformed FBT with an annualized return of 9.32%, while FBT has yielded a comparatively lower 8.59% annualized return.
XBI
- 1D
- 7.53%
- 1M
- 0.28%
- YTD
- 4.76%
- 6M
- 27.90%
- 1Y
- 58.08%
- 3Y*
- 19.00%
- 5Y*
- -1.29%
- 10Y*
- 9.32%
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%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
XBI vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison
XBI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FBT's 0.57% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
XBI vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank
XBI
FBT
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 2.02 | 0.73 | +1.28 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.70 | 1.17 | +1.53 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.15 | +0.19 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.72 | 1.52 | +2.21 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.98 | 4.09 | +9.89 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| XBI | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.02 | 0.73 | +1.28 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.04 | 0.22 | -0.26 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.29 | 0.36 | -0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.36 | 0.50 | -0.14 |
Correlation
The correlation between XBI and FBT is 0.88, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
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.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
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
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.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| XBI | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -63.89% | -40.51% | -23.38% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.39% | -14.26% | +0.87% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -55.04% | -29.05% | -25.99% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -63.89% | -32.37% | -31.52% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -26.17% | -9.48% | -16.69% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -20.91% | -11.22% | -9.69% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.71% | 5.33% | -1.62% |
Volatility
XBI vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a higher volatility of 11.60% compared to First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) at 8.93%. 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| XBI | FBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.60% | 8.93% | +2.67% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 19.25% | 15.57% | +3.68% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 29.24% | 24.96% | +4.28% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 32.23% | 21.72% | +10.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 32.15% | 24.06% | +8.09% |