VS
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT) and BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that FBT focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Health Care, while ZEB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, FBT features a management fee (MER) of 0.15%, compared to 0.25% for ZEB. Performance-wise, FBT has returned 2.75% year-to-date with +$2 M in net flows, whereas ZEB is at 15.52% with -$1,017 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
FBT
ZEB
| AuM | $4.03 M | $5,273.71 M |
| Management Fees | 0.15% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.71% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.67% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FBT | +3.46% | +4.39% | +2.75% | +30.56% | +37.72% |
ZEB | +4.94% | +12.72% | +15.52% | +63.06% | +122.25% | |
| Flows | FBT | +$0 M | +$2 M | +$2 M | +$2 M | +$1 M |
ZEB | -$97 M | -$405 M | -$1,017 M | -$1,400 M | -$1,455 M |
FBT vs ZEB exposure
Countries
FBT
USA
95.76%
ZEB
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
FBT
Health Care
90.59%
Other
9.41%
ZEB
Financials
100.00%
As of May 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
FBT
MODERNA INC
5.14%
ALKERMES
4.16%
UTD THERAPEUT
4.15%
GILEAD SCIENCES
4.08%
CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS
3.94%
AXSOME THERA CMN STK
3.91%
AMGEN-T
3.81%
EXELIXIS
3.52%
KRYSTAL BIOTECH INC
3.49%
BIOGEN INC
3.45%
ZEB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.14%
TORONTO DOMINION
17.02%
BNS
16.62%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.48%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.40%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.33%
Diversification
FBT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 30 total
39.65%
ZEB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
FBT
ZEB
| Provider | First Trust | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | NYSE Arca Biotechnology Total Return Index - USD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.00% | 2.61% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | October 30, 2014 | October 20, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about FBT and ZEB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: FBT or ZEB?
As of May 12, 2026, FBT has returned 2.75% year to date, while ZEB has returned 15.52%. ZEB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: FBT or ZEB?
As of May 12, 2026, FBT manages $4.03 M in assets, while ZEB manages $5.27 B. ZEB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are FBT and ZEB managed?
FBT is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Total Return Index - USD benchmark. ZEB is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do FBT and ZEB emphasize?
FBT is most exposed to Health Care. ZEB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: FBT or ZEB?
Year to date, FBT has seen +$2.12 M in net flows, compared with -$1,017.47 M for ZEB. FBT has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of FBT and ZEB compare?
FBT has an expense ratio of 0.71%, while ZEB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of FBT and ZEB?
FBT's largest holdings include MODERNA INC and ALKERMES. ZEB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: FBT or ZEB?
FBT holds 28 securities, while ZEB holds 6. On holdings count, FBT is the more diversified portfolio.
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