SBIO vs. BBC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SBIO (ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF) and BBC (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - SBIO tracks the S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Index while BBC tracks the LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SBIO returned 11.14%/yr vs 10.98%/yr for BBC. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SBIO charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for BBC.

Performance

SBIO vs. BBC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBIO achieves a 14.53% return, which is significantly lower than BBC's 23.79% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SBIO having a 11.14% annualized return and BBC not far behind at 10.98%.

SBIO

• 1D: 6.44%
• 1M: 10.06%
• YTD: 14.53%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 95.53%
• 3Y*: 23.70%
• 5Y*: 4.51%
• 10Y*: 11.14%

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)

SBIO vs. BBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SBIO ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF	14.53%	55.07%	3.81%	8.68%	-28.08%	-17.55%	21.17%	50.30%	-11.81%	45.67%
BBC Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF	23.79%	63.77%	-1.11%	-1.80%	-35.13%	-22.31%	30.32%	63.81%	-18.29%	57.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SBIO and BBC is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2014	0.94

The correlation between SBIO and BBC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

SBIO vs. BBC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SBIO	BBC
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-
Financial Services	-0.0%	-

Return for Risk

SBIO vs. BBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBIO

SBIO Risk / Return Rank: 91
SBIO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SBIO Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SBIO Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SBIO Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SBIO Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

SBIO vs. BBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) 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.

	SBIO	BBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.16	4.20	-1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	4.59	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.55	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.59	10.08	-2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.16	29.53	-8.37

SBIO vs. BBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBIO Sharpe Ratio is 3.16, which is comparable to the BBC Sharpe Ratio of 4.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBIO 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

SBIO vs. BBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBIO drawdown since its inception was -63.06%, smaller than the maximum BBC drawdown of -76.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBIO and BBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBIO	BBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.06%	-76.85%	+13.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.66%	-15.10%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-42.44%	-54.45%	+12.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.10%	-71.97%	+18.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.06%	-76.85%	+13.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.33%	-20.54%	+16.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.37%	-37.09%	+8.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	5.14%	-0.61%

Volatility

SBIO vs. BBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) is 11.14%, while Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) has a volatility of 12.13%. This indicates that SBIO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBIO	BBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.14%	12.13%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.77%	26.75%	-2.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.46%	36.33%	-5.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.75%	39.51%	-5.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.23%	37.79%	-4.56%

SBIO vs. BBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBIO has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BBC's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBIO vs. BBC - Dividend Comparison

SBIO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BBC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%.

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%
SBIO ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF	0.00%	0.00%	3.55%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	2.79%	1.77%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBIO and BBC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SBIO and BBC 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, SBIO or BBC?

BBC has higher volatility (12.13%) compared to SBIO (11.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBIO dropped -63.06% vs BBC's -76.85%.

Which ETF is better, SBIO or BBC?

On 10-year performance, SBIO leads with 11.14% vs 10.98% for BBC. On fees, SBIO is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SBIO has been the lower-risk option at 11.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SBIO or BBC?

Over the 10-year period, SBIO has performed better with a 11.14% return vs 10.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SBIO or BBC?

SBIO is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for BBC.

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

BBC has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.00% for SBIO.

What is the main difference between SBIO and BBC?

SBIO tracks S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Index, while BBC tracks LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SBIO and 0.79% for BBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.20 vs 3.16), 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.