IBB vs. XBI

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index while XBI tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IBB returned 7.53%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for XBI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IBB charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XBI.

Performance

IBB vs. XBI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 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, IBB achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly lower than XBI's 15.41% return. Over the past 10 years, IBB has underperformed XBI with an annualized return of 7.53%, while XBI has yielded a comparatively higher 10.17% annualized return.

IBB

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.72%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 2.11%
• 1Y: 38.70%
• 3Y*: 10.07%
• 5Y*: 2.08%
• 10Y*: 7.53%

XBI

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 5.98%
• YTD: 15.41%
• 6M: 14.38%
• 1Y: 71.45%
• 3Y*: 17.29%
• 5Y*: 1.15%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

IBB vs. XBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	2.97%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	0.95%	26.01%	25.42%	-9.53%	21.08%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	15.41%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%

Correlation

The correlation between IBB and XBI is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.91

The correlation between IBB and XBI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBB vs. XBI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBB	XBI
Healthcare	100.0%	99.7%
Basic Materials	-	0.2%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.3%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IBB vs. XBI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 65
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 70

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 87
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. XBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends 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.

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	XBI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.71	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.57	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.01	7.33	-3.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.33	21.65	-9.32

IBB vs. XBI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBB Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the XBI Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBB 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.

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBB	XBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.85%	-63.89%	+1.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-9.72%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	-32.99%	+8.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.82%	-54.71%	+14.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.82%	-63.89%	+24.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.17%	-18.67%	+16.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.15%	-20.93%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	3.28%	-0.16%

Volatility

IBB vs. XBI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is 7.04%, while SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a volatility of 10.01%. 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.

Volatility by Period

	IBB	XBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.04%	10.01%	-2.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.89%	21.05%	-5.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.25%	26.24%	-5.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	32.25%	-10.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.22%	32.02%	-8.80%

IBB vs. XBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBB has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XBI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBB vs. XBI - Dividend Comparison

IBB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than XBI's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.24%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.31%	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 IBB and XBI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IBB and XBI 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 XBI?

XBI has higher volatility (10.01%) compared to IBB (7.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBB dropped -62.85% vs XBI's -63.89%.

Which ETF is better, IBB or XBI?

On 10-year performance, XBI leads with 10.17% vs 7.53% for IBB. On fees, XBI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IBB has been the lower-risk option at 7.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBB or XBI?

Over the 10-year period, XBI has performed better with a 10.17% return vs 7.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBB or XBI?

XBI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

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

XBI has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.24% for IBB.

What is the main difference between IBB and XBI?

IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, while XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBB and 0.35% for XBI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.91), 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.