IBBQ vs. IBB

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IBBQ (Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IBBQ tracks the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index while IBB tracks the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IBBQ returned 5.42%/yr vs 2.65%/yr for IBB. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. IBBQ charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBB.

Performance

IBBQ vs. IBB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBBQ achieves a 13.32% return, which is significantly higher than IBB's 10.55% return.

IBBQ

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -4.55%
• 6M: 10.60%
• YTD: 13.32%
• 1Y: 44.71%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 5.42%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.57%

IBB

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -4.75%
• 6M: 8.20%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 1Y: 40.47%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 2.65%
• 10Y*: 6.89%
• ALL TIME*: 7.16%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	$252.83M	$308.82M	$278.87M
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	$517.67K	$836.57K	$727.46K

IBBQ vs. IBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	13.32%	33.32%	-0.63%	4.73%	-10.41%	-6.24%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	10.55%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	-6.39%

Correlation

The correlation between IBBQ and IBB is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.98

The correlation between IBBQ and IBB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBBQ vs. IBB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBBQ	IBB
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Industrials	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IBBQ vs. IBB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IBBQ

IBBQ Risk / Return Rank: 91
IBBQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
IBBQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
IBBQ Omega Ratio Rank: 85
IBBQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
IBBQ Martin Ratio Rank: 92

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 86
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 86

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IBBQ vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	IBBQ	IBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	2.00	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.80	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.33	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.49	4.25	+1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.87	12.35	+3.52

IBBQ vs. IBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBBQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is comparable to the IBB Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBBQ and IBB, 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

IBBQ vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	IBBQ	IBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.94%	-62.85%	+24.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-9.63%	+1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-24.85%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.94%	-39.82%	+1.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.14%	-5.96%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.38%	-21.06%	+4.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	3.31%	-0.43%

Volatility

IBBQ vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBBQ) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) have volatilities of 6.31% and 6.14%, 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

	IBBQ	IBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	6.14%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.72%	15.87%	-0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.18%	20.45%	-0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.98%	22.12%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.85%	23.12%	-1.27%

IBBQ vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBBQ has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBBQ vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison

IBBQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than IBB's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.22%	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	0.80%	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 IBBQ and IBB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, IBBQ and IBB 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, IBBQ or IBB?

IBBQ has higher volatility (6.31%) compared to IBB (6.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBBQ dropped -37.94% vs IBB's -62.85%.

Which ETF is better, IBBQ or IBB?

On 5-year performance, IBBQ leads with 5.42% vs 2.65% for IBB. On fees, IBBQ is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IBB has been the lower-risk option at 6.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBBQ or IBB?

Over the 5-year period, IBBQ has performed better with a 5.42% return vs 2.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBBQ or IBB?

IBBQ is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

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

IBBQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.22% for IBB.

What is the main difference between IBBQ and IBB?

IBBQ tracks Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, while IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for IBBQ and 0.47% for IBB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBBQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 2.00), 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.