XPH vs. FBT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) and FBT (First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - XPH tracks the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index while FBT tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XPH returned 5.22%/yr vs 10.43%/yr for FBT. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XPH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for FBT.

Performance

XPH vs. FBT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with XPH having a 19.55% return and FBT slightly higher at 19.86%. Over the past 10 years, XPH has underperformed FBT with an annualized return of 5.22%, while FBT has yielded a comparatively higher 10.43% annualized return.

XPH

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: 10.98%
• 6M: 20.41%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 1Y: 59.80%
• 3Y*: 18.81%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 5.22%

FBT

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 9.72%
• 6M: 16.13%
• YTD: 19.86%
• 1Y: 48.60%
• 3Y*: 17.08%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 10.43%

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

XPH vs. FBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	19.55%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	14.68%	25.61%	-15.32%	12.05%
FBT First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index	19.86%	24.25%	5.88%	2.55%	-4.83%	-2.26%	12.96%	19.74%	-0.30%	37.07%

Correlation

The correlation between XPH and FBT is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2006	0.76

The correlation between XPH and FBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

XPH vs. FBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XPH	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

XPH vs. FBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 91
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 87
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 92

FBT

FBT Risk / Return Rank: 82
FBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FBT Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
FBT Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

XPH vs. FBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	XPH	FBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	2.28	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	3.23	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.39	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.02	3.43	+1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.95	10.23	+7.72

XPH vs. FBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XPH Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is comparable to the FBT Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XPH 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.

Drawdowns

XPH vs. FBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XPH drawdown since its inception was -48.03%, which is greater than FBT's maximum drawdown of -40.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XPH and FBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XPH	FBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.03%	-40.51%	-7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.97%	-14.26%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.57%	-20.05%	-3.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.63%	-28.98%	-2.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-32.37%	-3.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.61%	-3.38%	-1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.17%	-11.11%	-6.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	4.77%	-1.43%

Volatility

XPH vs. FBT - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) has a higher volatility of 7.24% compared to First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (FBT) at 5.84%. This indicates that XPH'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

	XPH	FBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.24%	5.84%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.37%	15.90%	+1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.49%	21.43%	+1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.10%	21.99%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.10%	23.78%	-1.68%

XPH vs. FBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

XPH vs. FBT - Dividend Comparison

XPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, 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%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.50%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XPH and FBT in my portfolio?

XPH and FBT have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XPH or FBT?

XPH has higher volatility (7.24%) compared to FBT (5.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XPH dropped -48.03% vs FBT's -40.51%.

Which ETF is better, XPH or FBT?

On 10-year performance, FBT leads with 10.43% vs 5.22% for XPH. On fees, XPH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FBT has been the lower-risk option at 5.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XPH or FBT?

Over the 10-year period, FBT has performed better with a 10.43% return vs 5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XPH or FBT?

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

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

XPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.00% for FBT.

What is the main difference between XPH and FBT?

XPH tracks S&P Pharmaceuticals 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 XPH and 0.57% for FBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 2.28), 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.