IBB vs. IBBQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and IBBQ (Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index while IBBQ tracks the NASDAQ / Biotechnology. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IBB returned 2.25%/yr vs 4.85%/yr for IBBQ. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IBB charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for IBBQ.

Performance

IBB vs. IBBQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBB achieves a 4.97% return, which is significantly lower than IBBQ's 7.67% return.

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%

IBBQ

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: 4.12%
• YTD: 7.67%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 47.05%
• 3Y*: 14.82%
• 5Y*: 4.85%
• 10Y*: —

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

IBB vs. IBBQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	4.97%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	-6.39%
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	7.67%	33.32%	-0.63%	4.73%	-10.41%	-6.24%

Correlation

The correlation between IBB and IBBQ is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.98

The correlation between IBB and IBBQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBB vs. IBBQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBB	IBBQ
Healthcare	100.0%	99.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IBB vs. IBBQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

IBBQ

IBBQ Risk / Return Rank: 80
IBBQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IBBQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IBBQ Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IBBQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
IBBQ Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

IBB vs. IBBQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBBQ). 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.

	IBB	IBBQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.36	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.26	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.32	5.67	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.28	18.06	-4.78

IBB vs. IBBQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBB Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the IBBQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBB and IBBQ, 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

IBB vs. IBBQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBB drawdown since its inception was -62.85%, which is greater than IBBQ's maximum drawdown of -37.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBB and IBBQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBB	IBBQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.85%	-37.94%	-24.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-8.34%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	-23.66%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.82%	-37.94%	-1.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	0.00%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.15%	-16.68%	-4.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	2.61%	+0.51%

Volatility

IBB vs. IBBQ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBBQ) have volatilities of 6.96% and 6.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBB	IBBQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.96%	6.81%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.99%	15.72%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.37%	20.06%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.03%	21.92%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.22%	21.87%	+1.35%

IBB vs. IBBQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBB has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than IBBQ's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBB vs. IBBQ - Dividend Comparison

IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, less than IBBQ's 0.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.94%	0.90%	1.14%	0.81%	0.76%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBB and IBBQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IBB and IBBQ 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, IBB or IBBQ?

IBB has higher volatility (6.96%) compared to IBBQ (6.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBB dropped -62.85% vs IBBQ's -37.94%.

Which ETF is better, IBB or IBBQ?

On 5-year performance, IBBQ leads with 4.85% vs 2.25% for IBB. On fees, IBBQ is cheaper at 0.00% per year. On volatility, IBBQ has been the lower-risk option at 6.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBB or IBBQ?

Over the 5-year period, IBBQ has performed better with a 4.85% return vs 2.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBB or IBBQ?

IBBQ is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

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

IBBQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.94%, compared with 0.23% for IBB.

What is the main difference between IBB and IBBQ?

IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, while IBBQ tracks NASDAQ / Biotechnology. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBB and 0.00% for IBBQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBBQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 2.05), 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.