PBPH vs. VT

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PBPH (Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PBPH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index, while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PBPH charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.

Performance

PBPH vs. VT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBPH achieves a -1.70% return, which is significantly lower than VT's 13.23% return.

PBPH

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -0.61%
• YTD: -1.70%
• 6M: 0.14%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VT

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 13.23%
• 6M: 14.61%
• 1Y: 30.72%
• 3Y*: 21.29%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 12.84%

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

PBPH vs. VT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	-1.70%	0.76%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	13.23%	2.24%

Correlation

The correlation between PBPH and VT is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

PBPH vs. VT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 72
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

PBPH vs. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBPH	VT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.11	0.44	-0.55

Drawdowns

PBPH vs. VT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBPH drawdown since its inception was -11.10%, smaller than the maximum VT drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBPH and VT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBPH	VT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.10%	-50.27%	+39.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.67%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.51%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.38%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.22%	0.00%	-9.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.20%	-7.02%	+2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.17%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBPH	VT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.75%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.13%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.83%	12.67%	+4.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.83%	16.04%	+0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.83%	17.23%	-0.40%

PBPH vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBPH has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is higher than VT's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PBPH vs. VT - Dividend Comparison

PBPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than VT's 1.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	0.09%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.58%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBPH and VT in my portfolio?

PBPH and VT have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PBPH or VT?

On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBPH or VT?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for PBPH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBPH or VT?

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.58%, compared with 0.09% for PBPH.

What is the main difference between PBPH and VT?

PBPH is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while VT is Global Equities. PBPH tracks BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index, while VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Portfolio Building Block and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for PBPH and 0.06% for VT.