FTCB vs SBIO
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF
Quick Verdict
SBIO has a lower expense ratio. SBIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | SBIO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $202M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 4.05% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 87 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +34.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.43% | +106.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +32.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 29.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -63.1% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Dec 30, 2014 |
FTCB vs SBIO Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while SBIO returned +106.24%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 34.80% for SBIO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SBIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.6% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB and -63.1% for SBIO. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while SBIO charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $50 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 4.05% for SBIO.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and SBIO share 0 holdings out of 436 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or SBIO?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SBIO charges 0.50%. SBIO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or SBIO?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +106.24% for SBIO, so SBIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs +9.80% for SBIO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or SBIO?
SBIO has been the more volatile fund at 29.6% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs SBIO -63.1%.
Should I hold both FTCB and SBIO?
FTCB and SBIO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and SBIO?
FTCB and SBIO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 436 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or SBIO?
FTCB yields 5.24% while SBIO yields 4.05%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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