BBP vs. ARKG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BBP (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF) and ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. BBP is passively managed, while ARKG is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, BBP returned 11.72%/yr vs 7.74%/yr for ARKG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BBP charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKG.

Performance

BBP vs. ARKG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBP achieves a 8.38% return, which is significantly lower than ARKG's 25.20% return. Over the past 10 years, BBP has outperformed ARKG with an annualized return of 11.72%, while ARKG has yielded a comparatively lower 7.74% annualized return.

BBP

• 1D: 2.44%
• 1M: -0.92%
• YTD: 8.38%
• 6M: 9.14%
• 1Y: 48.00%
• 3Y*: 17.11%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

ARKG

• 1D: 6.93%
• 1M: 21.79%
• YTD: 25.20%
• 6M: 13.70%
• 1Y: 60.42%
• 3Y*: 2.68%
• 5Y*: -14.59%
• 10Y*: 7.74%

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

BBP vs. ARKG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	8.38%	33.15%	3.32%	17.88%	0.85%	-8.17%	22.24%	24.73%	-13.95%	24.07%
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	25.20%	23.04%	-28.24%	16.22%	-53.90%	-33.92%	180.40%	44.00%	-1.26%	46.61%

Correlation

The correlation between BBP and ARKG is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2014	0.75

The correlation between BBP and ARKG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

BBP vs. ARKG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBP	ARKG
Healthcare	100.0%	99.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BBP vs. ARKG — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBP

BBP Risk / Return Rank: 70
BBP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
BBP Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
BBP Omega Ratio Rank: 55
BBP Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
BBP Martin Ratio Rank: 82

ARKG

ARKG Risk / Return Rank: 41
ARKG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ARKG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
ARKG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
ARKG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
ARKG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

BBP vs. ARKG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). 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.

	BBP	ARKG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.46	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	2.17	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.20	2.21	+2.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.27	5.29	+10.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BBP vs. ARKG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBP Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the ARKG Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBP and ARKG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BBP	ARKG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02	1.46	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	-0.32	+0.74
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43	0.19	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.15	+0.25

Drawdowns

BBP vs. ARKG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBP drawdown since its inception was -44.32%, smaller than the maximum ARKG drawdown of -83.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBP and ARKG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBP	ARKG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.32%	-83.59%	+39.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-27.51%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.09%	-51.96%	+25.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.28%	-80.18%	+41.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.32%	-83.59%	+39.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-67.55%	+63.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.02%	-35.88%	+23.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	11.46%	-8.50%

Volatility

BBP vs. ARKG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) is 8.03%, while ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) has a volatility of 12.94%. This indicates that BBP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBP	ARKG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.03%	12.94%	-4.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.52%	29.51%	-10.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.84%	41.62%	-17.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.37%	45.71%	-19.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.41%	41.17%	-13.76%

BBP vs. ARKG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBP has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBP vs. ARKG - Dividend Comparison

Neither BBP nor ARKG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.85%	3.14%	0.82%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.00%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBP and ARKG in my portfolio?

BBP and ARKG have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBP or ARKG?

ARKG has higher volatility (12.94%) compared to BBP (8.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBP dropped -44.32% vs ARKG's -83.59%.

Which ETF is better, BBP or ARKG?

On 10-year performance, BBP leads with 11.72% vs 7.74% for ARKG. On fees, ARKG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, BBP has been the lower-risk option at 8.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBP or ARKG?

Over the 10-year period, BBP has performed better with a 11.72% return vs 7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBP or ARKG?

ARKG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for BBP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBP or ARKG?

BBP and ARKG have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BBP and ARKG?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BBP and 0.75% for ARKG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.46), 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.