IBB vs. IBRN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and IBRN (iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds from iShares - IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index while IBRN tracks the NYSE FactSet Global Neuro Biopharma and MedTech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBB returned 11.80%/yr vs 14.72%/yr for IBRN. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.47% expense ratio.

Performance

IBB vs. IBRN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBB achieves a 5.61% return, which is significantly lower than IBRN's 14.14% return.

IBB

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 5.52%
• YTD: 5.61%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 42.90%
• 3Y*: 11.80%
• 5Y*: 2.21%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

IBRN

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 6.49%
• YTD: 14.14%
• 6M: 14.25%
• 1Y: 71.08%
• 3Y*: 14.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBB vs. IBRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	5.61%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	3.23%
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	14.14%	28.49%	-2.78%	0.92%	2.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IBB and IBRN is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2022	0.82

The correlation between IBB and IBRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBB vs. IBRN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

IBB vs. IBRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 71
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 60
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 75

IBRN

IBRN Risk / Return Rank: 89
IBRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
IBRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
IBRN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
IBRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
IBRN Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. IBRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN). 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	IBRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.80	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	3.71	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.43	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.47	8.12	-3.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.77	22.92	-9.15

IBB vs. IBRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBB Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the IBRN Sharpe Ratio of 2.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBB and IBRN, 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. IBRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBB drawdown since its inception was -62.85%, which is greater than IBRN's maximum drawdown of -35.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBB and IBRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBB	IBRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.85%	-35.38%	-27.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-8.80%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	-35.38%	+10.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.14%	-9.75%	-11.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	3.11%	+0.01%

Volatility

IBB vs. IBRN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is 6.95%, while iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) has a volatility of 8.17%. This indicates that IBB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBB	IBRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.95%	8.17%	-1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.98%	19.20%	-3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.34%	25.50%	-5.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.03%	25.36%	-3.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.17%	25.36%	-2.19%

IBB vs. IBRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IBB and IBRN have an expense ratio of 0.47%.

Dividends

IBB vs. IBRN - Dividend Comparison

IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, less than IBRN's 0.87% 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%
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	0.87%	0.99%	0.40%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBB and IBRN in my portfolio?

IBB and IBRN have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBB or IBRN?

IBRN has higher volatility (8.17%) compared to IBB (6.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBB dropped -62.85% vs IBRN's -35.38%.

Which ETF is better, IBB or IBRN?

On 3-year performance, IBRN leads with 14.72% vs 11.80% for IBB. Both ETFs have the same 0.47% expense ratio. On volatility, IBB has been the lower-risk option at 6.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBB or IBRN?

Over the 3-year period, IBRN has performed better with a 14.72% return vs 11.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBB or IBRN?

IBB and IBRN have the same expense ratio: 0.47% per year.

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

IBRN has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.23% for IBB.

What is the main difference between IBB and IBRN?

IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, while IBRN tracks NYSE FactSet Global Neuro Biopharma and MedTech Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 2.12), 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.