ROBO vs. BBP

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF) and BBP (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROBO is a Robotics fund tracking the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index, while BBP is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ROBO returned 13.02%/yr vs 11.99%/yr for BBP. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ROBO charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for BBP.

Performance

ROBO vs. BBP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBO achieves a 21.67% return, which is significantly higher than BBP's 5.23% return. Over the past 10 years, ROBO has outperformed BBP with an annualized return of 13.02%, while BBP has yielded a comparatively lower 11.99% annualized return.

ROBO

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: -2.60%
• YTD: 21.67%
• 6M: 19.42%
• 1Y: 48.39%
• 3Y*: 14.36%
• 5Y*: 5.97%
• 10Y*: 13.02%

BBP

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -4.70%
• YTD: 5.23%
• 6M: 7.53%
• 1Y: 39.09%
• 3Y*: 15.67%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 11.99%

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

ROBO vs. BBP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	21.67%	23.71%	-1.28%	23.74%	-33.92%	15.34%	45.26%	29.51%	-20.92%	44.26%
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	5.23%	33.15%	3.32%	17.88%	0.85%	-8.17%	22.24%	24.73%	-13.95%	24.07%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBO and BBP is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2014	0.56

The correlation between ROBO and BBP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROBO vs. BBP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROBO	BBP
Industrials	46.8%	-
Technology	41.9%	-
Healthcare	4.9%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	-
Financial Services	2.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	-
Communication Services	1.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ROBO vs. BBP — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBO

ROBO Risk / Return Rank: 65
ROBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ROBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ROBO Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ROBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
ROBO Martin Ratio Rank: 66

BBP

BBP Risk / Return Rank: 64
BBP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
BBP Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
BBP Omega Ratio Rank: 49
BBP Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
BBP Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

ROBO vs. BBP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP). 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.

	ROBO	BBP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	1.65	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.42	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.28	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	4.23	-1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.09	12.99	-1.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ROBO vs. BBP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBO Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is comparable to the BBP Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBO and BBP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ROBO	BBP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	1.65	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.36	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56	0.44	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.39	+0.08

Drawdowns

ROBO vs. BBP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBO drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, roughly equal to the maximum BBP drawdown of -44.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBO and BBP.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBO	BBP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-44.32%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.35%	-9.28%	-8.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.92%	-26.09%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.65%	-38.28%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	-44.32%	+0.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.65%	-6.96%	+0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.93%	-12.02%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	3.02%	+1.36%

Volatility

ROBO vs. BBP - Volatility Comparison

ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) has a higher volatility of 9.66% compared to Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) at 6.81%. This indicates that ROBO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BBP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBO	BBP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.66%	6.81%	+2.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.04%	18.58%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.89%	23.85%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.79%	26.34%	-2.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.24%	27.41%	-4.17%

ROBO vs. BBP - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROBO has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than BBP's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROBO vs. BBP - Dividend Comparison

ROBO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, while BBP has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.00%	1.29%
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	0.35%	0.42%	0.55%	0.05%	0.00%	0.18%	0.20%	0.37%	0.37%	0.02%	0.19%	0.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROBO and BBP in my portfolio?

ROBO and BBP have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROBO or BBP?

ROBO has higher volatility (9.66%) compared to BBP (6.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBO dropped -43.65% vs BBP's -44.32%.

Which ETF is better, ROBO or BBP?

On 10-year performance, ROBO leads with 13.02% vs 11.99% for BBP. On fees, BBP is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BBP has been the lower-risk option at 6.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROBO or BBP?

Over the 10-year period, ROBO has performed better with a 13.02% return vs 11.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROBO or BBP?

BBP is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ROBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ROBO or BBP?

ROBO has the higher dividend yield at 0.35%, compared with 0.00% for BBP.

What is the main difference between ROBO and BBP?

ROBO is categorized as Robotics, while BBP is Health & Biotech Equities. ROBO tracks ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index, while BBP tracks LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for ROBO and 0.79% for BBP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.65), 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.