FBT vs IVV
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FBT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FBT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +29.08% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.67% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.83% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FBT vs IVV Performance
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (FBT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FBT returned +54.67% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FBT is up 29.08% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FBT compounded at +20.83% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FBT has the edge at +13.87% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -40.5% for FBT and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBT charges 0.55% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBT currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FBT and IVV share 6 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBT or IVV?
FBT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBT or IVV?
Over the past year FBT returned +54.67% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FBT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FBT annualized +13.87% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBT or IVV?
FBT has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FBT -40.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FBT and IVV?
FBT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FBT and IVV?
FBT and IVV share 6 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBT or IVV?
FBT yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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