XBI vs. BBH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) and BBH (VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - XBI tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index while BBH tracks the MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XBI returned 11.14%/yr vs 7.27%/yr for BBH. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XBI vs. BBH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XBI achieves a 20.70% return, which is significantly higher than BBH's 0.83% return. Over the past 10 years, XBI has outperformed BBH with an annualized return of 11.14%, while BBH has yielded a comparatively lower 7.27% annualized return.

XBI

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 11.78%
• YTD: 20.70%
• 6M: 17.84%
• 1Y: 79.53%
• 3Y*: 20.24%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: 11.14%

BBH

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: -0.86%
• 1Y: 27.19%
• 3Y*: 7.34%
• 5Y*: -0.32%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

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

XBI vs. BBH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	20.70%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%
BBH VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF	0.83%	21.18%	-4.29%	3.94%	-15.25%	11.81%	22.13%	26.34%	-10.70%	16.46%

Correlation

The correlation between XBI and BBH is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.80

The correlation between XBI and BBH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

XBI vs. BBH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XBI	BBH
Healthcare	99.7%	100.0%
Financial Services	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	0.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XBI vs. BBH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 90
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 82
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

BBH

BBH Risk / Return Rank: 44
BBH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BBH Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
BBH Omega Ratio Rank: 39
BBH Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BBH Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

XBI vs. BBH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH). 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.

	XBI	BBH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	1.42	+1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.89	2.09	+1.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.25	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.22	2.59	+5.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.30	6.23	+18.06

XBI vs. BBH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XBI Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is higher than the BBH Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XBI and BBH, 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

XBI vs. BBH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XBI drawdown since its inception was -63.89%, smaller than the maximum BBH drawdown of -72.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XBI and BBH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XBI	BBH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.89%	-72.70%	+8.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.72%	-10.55%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.99%	-22.74%	-10.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.71%	-39.86%	-14.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.89%	-39.86%	-24.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.94%	-11.46%	-3.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.93%	-20.73%	-0.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	4.37%	-1.09%

Volatility

XBI vs. BBH - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a higher volatility of 9.96% compared to VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH) at 6.15%. This indicates that XBI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BBH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XBI	BBH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.96%	6.15%	+3.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.31%	14.59%	+6.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.47%	19.30%	+7.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.30%	21.44%	+10.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.01%	22.12%	+9.89%

XBI vs. BBH - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XBI and BBH have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XBI vs. BBH - Dividend Comparison

XBI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than BBH's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBH VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF	0.50%	0.51%	0.80%	0.43%	0.47%	0.21%	0.36%	0.34%	0.50%	0.55%	0.30%	0.27%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.39%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XBI and BBH in my portfolio?

XBI and BBH have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XBI or BBH?

XBI has higher volatility (9.96%) compared to BBH (6.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XBI dropped -63.89% vs BBH's -72.70%.

Which ETF is better, XBI or BBH?

On 10-year performance, XBI leads with 11.14% vs 7.27% for BBH. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, BBH has been the lower-risk option at 6.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XBI or BBH?

Over the 10-year period, XBI has performed better with a 11.14% return vs 7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XBI or BBH?

XBI and BBH have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XBI or BBH?

BBH has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.39% for XBI.

What is the main difference between XBI and BBH?

XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, while BBH tracks MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and VanEck.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 1.42), 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.