BIS vs. XBI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BIS (ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology) and XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BIS is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (-200%), while XBI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BIS returned -23.48%/yr vs 8.53%/yr for XBI. At a correlation of -0.90, they often move in opposite directions. BIS charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XBI.

Performance

BIS vs. XBI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIS achieves a -10.87% return, which is significantly lower than XBI's 9.42% return. Over the past 10 years, BIS has underperformed XBI with an annualized return of -23.48%, while XBI has yielded a comparatively higher 8.53% annualized return.

BIS

• 1D: -4.83%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: -10.87%
• 6M: -8.91%
• 1Y: -52.09%
• 3Y*: -22.48%
• 5Y*: -15.34%
• 10Y*: -23.48%

XBI

• 1D: 2.77%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 9.42%
• 6M: 8.61%
• 1Y: 62.35%
• 3Y*: 15.65%
• 5Y*: 1.14%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

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

BIS vs. XBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIS ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology	-10.87%	-45.95%	4.79%	-6.54%	-2.14%	-14.74%	-56.01%	-41.01%	5.14%	-36.98%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	9.42%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%

Correlation

The correlation between BIS and XBI is -0.92, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2010	-0.90

The correlation between BIS and XBI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.92 to -0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BIS vs. XBI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIS

BIS Risk / Return Rank: 1
BIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
BIS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
BIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
BIS Martin Ratio Rank: 2

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 80
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

BIS vs. XBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). 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.

	BIS	XBI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.31	2.45	-3.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.13	3.32	-5.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.77	1.40	-0.63
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.96	6.45	-7.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.31	19.53	-20.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIS vs. XBI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIS Sharpe Ratio is -1.31, which is lower than the XBI Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIS and XBI, 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

	BIS	XBI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.31	2.45	-3.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.35	0.04	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.51	0.27	-0.78
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.68	0.36	-1.04

Drawdowns

BIS vs. XBI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIS drawdown since its inception was -99.87%, which is greater than XBI's maximum drawdown of -63.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIS and XBI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIS	XBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.87%	-63.89%	-35.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.50%	-9.72%	-44.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-66.87%	-32.99%	-33.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-74.80%	-54.71%	-20.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-95.25%	-63.89%	-31.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.86%	-22.89%	-76.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-90.03%	-20.93%	-69.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	39.73%	3.20%	+36.53%

Volatility

BIS vs. XBI - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) has a higher volatility of 14.76% compared to SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) at 9.69%. This indicates that BIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XBI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BIS	XBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.76%	9.69%	+5.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.31%	20.31%	+11.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.91%	25.60%	+14.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.78%	32.20%	+11.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.38%	32.00%	+14.38%

BIS vs. XBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIS has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than XBI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIS vs. XBI - Dividend Comparison

BIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, more than XBI's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIS ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology	5.17%	5.25%	3.73%	1.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.45%	2.11%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.33%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIS and XBI in my portfolio?

BIS and XBI have a correlation of -0.92, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BIS or XBI?

BIS has higher volatility (14.76%) compared to XBI (9.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIS dropped -99.87% vs XBI's -63.89%.

Which ETF is better, BIS or XBI?

On 10-year performance, XBI leads with 8.53% vs -23.48% for BIS. On fees, XBI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XBI has been the lower-risk option at 9.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BIS or XBI?

Over the 10-year period, XBI has performed better with a 8.53% return vs -23.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BIS or XBI?

XBI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BIS or XBI?

BIS has the higher dividend yield at 5.17%, compared with 0.33% for XBI.

What is the main difference between BIS and XBI?

BIS is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while XBI is Health & Biotech Equities. BIS tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (-200%), while XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BIS and 0.35% for XBI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs -1.31), 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.