PSIL vs. BBC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSIL (AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF) and BBC (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. PSIL is actively managed, while BBC is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSIL returned 10.23%/yr vs 26.34%/yr for BBC. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSIL charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for BBC.

Performance

PSIL vs. BBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) and Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PSIL having a 24.34% return and BBC slightly lower at 23.79%.

PSIL

• 1D: 6.27%
• 1M: 1.04%
• YTD: 24.34%
• 6M: 22.35%
• 1Y: 54.09%
• 3Y*: 10.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BBC

• 1D: 4.97%
• 1M: 11.76%
• YTD: 23.79%
• 6M: 18.79%
• 1Y: 151.23%
• 3Y*: 26.34%
• 5Y*: -0.15%
• 10Y*: 10.98%

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

PSIL vs. BBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PSIL AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF	24.34%	74.55%	-19.50%	-25.12%	-67.24%	-42.72%
BBC Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF	23.79%	63.77%	-1.11%	-1.80%	-35.13%	-19.06%

Correlation

The correlation between PSIL and BBC is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2021	0.54

The correlation between PSIL and BBC shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (3 years) to 0.65 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSIL vs. BBC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSIL	BBC
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSIL vs. BBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSIL

PSIL Risk / Return Rank: 40
PSIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
PSIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
PSIL Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PSIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
PSIL Martin Ratio Rank: 37

BBC

BBC Risk / Return Rank: 94
BBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
BBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
BBC Omega Ratio Rank: 90
BBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
BBC Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

PSIL vs. BBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) and Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC). 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.

	PSIL	BBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	4.20	-2.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	4.59	-2.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.55	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	10.08	-7.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.56	29.53	-23.97

PSIL vs. BBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSIL Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is lower than the BBC Sharpe Ratio of 4.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSIL and BBC, 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

PSIL vs. BBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSIL drawdown since its inception was -92.72%, which is greater than BBC's maximum drawdown of -76.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSIL and BBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSIL	BBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.72%	-76.85%	-15.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.38%	-15.10%	-5.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-64.62%	-54.45%	-10.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-71.97%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-75.81%	-20.54%	-55.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-76.71%	-37.09%	-39.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.86%	5.14%	+4.72%

Volatility

PSIL vs. BBC - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) has a higher volatility of 13.08% compared to Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) at 12.13%. This indicates that PSIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSIL	BBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.08%	12.13%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.55%	26.75%	+1.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.51%	36.33%	+6.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.01%	39.51%	+23.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.01%	37.79%	+25.22%

PSIL vs. BBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSIL has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than BBC's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSIL vs. BBC - Dividend Comparison

PSIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.04%, more than BBC's 1.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBC Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF	1.37%	1.70%	1.00%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.09%	0.00%	0.51%
PSIL AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF	8.04%	10.95%	1.49%	0.24%	2.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSIL and BBC in my portfolio?

PSIL and BBC have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSIL or BBC?

PSIL has higher volatility (13.08%) compared to BBC (12.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSIL dropped -92.72% vs BBC's -76.85%.

Which ETF is better, PSIL or BBC?

On 3-year performance, BBC leads with 26.34% vs 10.23% for PSIL. On fees, BBC is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BBC has been the lower-risk option at 12.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSIL or BBC?

Over the 3-year period, BBC has performed better with a 26.34% return vs 10.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSIL or BBC?

BBC is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for PSIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSIL or BBC?

PSIL has the higher dividend yield at 8.04%, compared with 1.37% for BBC.

What is the main difference between PSIL and BBC?

They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for PSIL and 0.79% for BBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.20 vs 1.28), 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.