IBBQ vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

IBBQ (Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBBQ is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ / Biotechnology, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IBBQ returned 4.49%/yr vs 8.83%/yr for VXUS. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IBBQ charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBBQ achieves a 4.83% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 15.42% return.

IBBQ

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 4.79%
• 1Y: 40.36%
• 3Y*: 13.02%
• 5Y*: 4.49%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	4.83%	33.32%	-0.63%	4.73%	-10.41%	-6.24%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.42%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	-2.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IBBQ and VXUS is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.56

The correlation between IBBQ and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBBQ	VXUS
Healthcare	99.9%	7.1%
Financial Services	0.1%	22.3%
Basic Materials	-	7.6%
Communication Services	-	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Energy	-	5.2%
Industrials	-	16.1%
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Technology	-	18.1%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

IBBQ vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBBQ

IBBQ Risk / Return Rank: 74
IBBQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IBBQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IBBQ Omega Ratio Rank: 61
IBBQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
IBBQ Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBBQ) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	2.01	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.73	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.86	2.86	+2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.49	11.00	+4.49

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBBQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBBQ and VXUS, 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. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBBQ drawdown since its inception was -37.94%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBBQ and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBBQ	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.94%	-35.97%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-11.27%	+2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-13.58%	-10.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.94%	-29.44%	-8.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	0.00%	-2.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.73%	-8.20%	-8.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.93%	-0.31%

Volatility

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBBQ) has a higher volatility of 7.73% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 6.87%. This indicates that IBBQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBBQ	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.73%	6.87%	+0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.61%	14.09%	+1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.08%	16.11%	+3.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.90%	16.23%	+5.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.89%	17.21%	+4.68%

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBBQ has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IBBQ vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

IBBQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, less than VXUS's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBBQ Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.84%	0.90%	1.14%	0.81%	0.76%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBBQ and VXUS in my portfolio?

IBBQ and VXUS have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBBQ or VXUS?

IBBQ has higher volatility (7.73%) compared to VXUS (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBBQ dropped -37.94% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, IBBQ or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 8.83% vs 4.49% for IBBQ. On fees, IBBQ is cheaper at 0.00% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBBQ or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 8.83% return vs 4.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBBQ or VXUS?

IBBQ is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VXUS.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.84% for IBBQ.

What is the main difference between IBBQ and VXUS?

IBBQ is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. IBBQ tracks NASDAQ / Biotechnology, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.00% for IBBQ and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBBQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 2.01), 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.