BBC vs. PSIL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BBC (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF) and PSIL (AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. BBC is passively managed, while PSIL is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BBC returned 27.00%/yr vs 10.43%/yr for PSIL. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BBC charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PSIL.

Performance

BBC vs. PSIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) and AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BBC having a 25.75% return and PSIL slightly lower at 25.04%.

BBC

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: 13.54%
• YTD: 25.75%
• 6M: 22.73%
• 1Y: 156.95%
• 3Y*: 27.00%
• 5Y*: -0.26%
• 10Y*: 11.15%

PSIL

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 25.04%
• 6M: 21.09%
• 1Y: 76.10%
• 3Y*: 10.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BBC vs. PSIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BBC Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF	25.75%	63.77%	-1.11%	-1.80%	-35.13%	-19.06%
PSIL AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF	25.04%	74.55%	-19.50%	-25.12%	-67.24%	-42.72%

Correlation

The correlation between BBC and PSIL is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2021	0.54

The correlation between BBC and PSIL shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (3 years) to 0.65 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BBC vs. PSIL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBC	PSIL
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BBC vs. PSIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBC

BBC Risk / Return Rank: 95
BBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
BBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BBC Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
BBC Martin Ratio Rank: 95

PSIL

PSIL Risk / Return Rank: 60
PSIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
PSIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
PSIL Omega Ratio Rank: 53
PSIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
PSIL Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

BBC vs. PSIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) and AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL). 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.

	BBC	PSIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.36	1.88	+2.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.70	2.50	+2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.30	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.46	3.75	+6.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.65	7.83	+22.82

BBC vs. PSIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBC Sharpe Ratio is 4.36, which is higher than the PSIL Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBC and PSIL, 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

BBC vs. PSIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBC drawdown since its inception was -76.85%, smaller than the maximum PSIL drawdown of -92.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBC and PSIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBC	PSIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.85%	-92.72%	+15.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.10%	-20.38%	+5.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.45%	-64.62%	+10.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-71.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-76.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.28%	-75.68%	+56.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.08%	-76.71%	+39.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.14%	9.75%	-4.61%

Volatility

BBC vs. PSIL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) is 12.08%, while AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) has a volatility of 12.82%. This indicates that BBC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBC	PSIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.08%	12.82%	-0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.79%	28.52%	-1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.27%	42.43%	-6.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.52%	62.98%	-23.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.75%	62.98%	-25.23%

BBC vs. PSIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBC has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than PSIL's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBC vs. PSIL - Dividend Comparison

BBC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than PSIL's 7.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBC Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF	1.35%	1.70%	1.00%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.09%	0.00%	0.51%
PSIL AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF	7.94%	10.95%	1.49%	0.24%	2.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBC and PSIL in my portfolio?

BBC and PSIL have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBC or PSIL?

PSIL has higher volatility (12.82%) compared to BBC (12.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBC dropped -76.85% vs PSIL's -92.72%.

Which ETF is better, BBC or PSIL?

On 3-year performance, BBC leads with 27.00% vs 10.43% for PSIL. On fees, BBC is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BBC has been the lower-risk option at 12.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBC or PSIL?

Over the 3-year period, BBC has performed better with a 27.00% return vs 10.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBC or PSIL?

BBC is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for PSIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBC or PSIL?

PSIL has the higher dividend yield at 7.94%, compared with 1.35% for BBC.

What is the main difference between BBC and PSIL?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and AdvisorShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BBC and 1.00% for PSIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.36 vs 1.88), 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.