BBH vs. IBB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BBH (VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF) and IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - BBH tracks the MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index while IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BBH returned 7.19%/yr vs 8.14%/yr for IBB. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBB.

Performance

BBH vs. IBB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBH achieves a 0.06% return, which is significantly lower than IBB's 4.97% return. Over the past 10 years, BBH has underperformed IBB with an annualized return of 7.19%, while IBB has yielded a comparatively higher 8.14% annualized return.

BBH

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 0.06%
• 6M: -1.66%
• 1Y: 24.78%
• 3Y*: 7.06%
• 5Y*: -0.40%
• 10Y*: 7.19%

IBB

• 1D: 1.94%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 4.97%
• 6M: 2.54%
• 1Y: 41.38%
• 3Y*: 11.58%
• 5Y*: 2.25%
• 10Y*: 8.14%

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

BBH vs. IBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBH VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF	0.06%	21.18%	-4.29%	3.94%	-15.25%	11.81%	22.13%	26.34%	-10.70%	16.46%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	4.97%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	0.95%	26.01%	25.42%	-9.53%	21.08%

Correlation

The correlation between BBH and IBB is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2001	0.91

The correlation between BBH and IBB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

BBH vs. IBB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

BBH vs. IBB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBH

BBH Risk / Return Rank: 39
BBH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
BBH Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
BBH Omega Ratio Rank: 35
BBH Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
BBH Martin Ratio Rank: 37

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 69
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 57
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

BBH vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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.

	BBH	IBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	2.05	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	2.88	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.34	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	4.32	-1.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.69	13.28	-7.59

BBH vs. IBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBH Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is lower than the IBB Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBH and IBB, 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

BBH vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBH drawdown since its inception was -72.70%, which is greater than IBB's maximum drawdown of -62.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBH and IBB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBH	IBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.70%	-62.85%	-9.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.55%	-9.63%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.74%	-24.85%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.86%	-39.82%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.86%	-39.82%	-0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.14%	-0.27%	-11.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.73%	-21.15%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.36%	3.12%	+1.24%

Volatility

BBH vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH) is 6.13%, while iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) has a volatility of 6.96%. This indicates that BBH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBH	IBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	6.96%	-0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.61%	15.99%	-1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.33%	20.37%	-1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.44%	22.03%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.17%	23.22%	-1.05%

BBH vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBH vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison

BBH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, more than IBB's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBH VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF	0.51%	0.51%	0.80%	0.43%	0.47%	0.21%	0.36%	0.34%	0.50%	0.55%	0.30%	0.27%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.23%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBH and IBB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BBH and IBB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BBH or IBB?

IBB has higher volatility (6.96%) compared to BBH (6.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBH dropped -72.70% vs IBB's -62.85%.

Which ETF is better, BBH or IBB?

On 10-year performance, IBB leads with 8.14% vs 7.19% for BBH. On fees, BBH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, BBH has been the lower-risk option at 6.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBH or IBB?

Over the 10-year period, IBB has performed better with a 8.14% return vs 7.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBH or IBB?

BBH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBH or IBB?

BBH has the higher dividend yield at 0.51%, compared with 0.23% for IBB.

What is the main difference between BBH and IBB?

BBH tracks MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index, while IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BBH and 0.47% for IBB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.29), 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.