# Healthcare ETF Comparison: IXJ vs FBT

> Which healthcare ETF offers better long-term growth: iShares' global healthcare fund or First Trust's biotech fund?
- Title: Healthcare ETF Comparison: IXJ vs FBT · The Motley Fool
- Summary: Which healthcare ETF offers better long-term growth: iShares' global healthcare fund or First Trust's biotech fund? iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ)…
- Keywords: ishares, first trust, healthcare, etf, biotech, healthcare etf, ixj, fbt, finance, money, Comparison, The Motley Fool
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/coverage/etfs/2026/10/26/which-healthcare-etf-is-the-better-buy-ishares-global-ixj-or-first-trust-s-biotech-fbt
- Author: Sara Appino
- Published: 2026-10-26T12:10:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ishares, first trust, healthcare, etf, biotech, healthcare etf, ixj, fbt, finance, money
## ETF Comparison
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) provides broad, lower-cost exposure to global health sectors, while First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (FBT) focuses on biotech firms.
## Key Metrics
IXJ: $109.35 (1.32% yield), 0.38% expense ratio; FBT: $271.47 (0.83% gain), 0.55% expense ratio.
## 52-Week Range
IXJ: $90.28 - $110.78; FBT: $186.20 - $275.23.
## Portfolio Structure
IXJ holds 109 healthcare companies across pharma, biotech, and medical services; FBT focuses on 30 biotech firms.
## Performance History
IXJ grew $1,000 to $1,362 over 5 years; FBT grew $1,000 to $1,641 over 5 years.
## Investor Suitability
IXJ suits long-term investors seeking stability; FBT targets those confident in biotech's growth potential.
## Key takeaway

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) provides broader healthcare exposure with lower costs and stable returns, while First Trust's Biotech ETF (FBT) targets high-growth biotech stocks but carries higher risk.