IBB vs. XBI
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI).
IBB and XBI are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. IBB is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. It was launched on Feb 5, 2001. XBI is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. It was launched on Feb 6, 2006. Both IBB and XBI are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: IBB or XBI.
Key characteristics
| IBB | XBI | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -2.04% | 0.77% |
| 1Y Return | 2.36% | 7.17% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -3.74% | -11.51% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 4.55% | 0.91% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 5.93% | 8.13% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.12 | 0.29 |
| Daily Std Dev | 16.73% | 27.90% |
| Max Drawdown | -62.85% | -63.89% |
| Current Drawdown | -23.94% | -48.26% |
Correlation
The correlation between IBB and XBI is 0.91, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
IBB vs. XBI - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, IBB achieves a -2.04% return, which is significantly lower than XBI's 0.77% return. Over the past 10 years, IBB has underperformed XBI with an annualized return of 5.93%, while XBI has yielded a comparatively higher 8.13% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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IBB vs. XBI - Expense Ratio Comparison
IBB has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XBI's 0.35% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
IBB vs. XBI - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 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.
Dividends
IBB vs. XBI - Dividend Comparison
IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, more than XBI's 0.02% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF | 0.31% | 0.26% | 0.31% | 0.21% | 0.21% | 0.17% | 0.20% | 0.30% | 0.19% | 0.03% | 0.15% | 0.03% |
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.20% | 0.00% | 0.28% | 0.24% | 0.26% | 0.61% | 1.07% | 0.17% |
Drawdowns
IBB vs. XBI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IBB drawdown since its inception was -62.85%, roughly equal to the maximum XBI drawdown of -63.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBB and XBI. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
IBB vs. XBI - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is 5.77%, while SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a volatility of 7.97%. This indicates that IBB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XBI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.