XBI vs. PBPH

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) and PBPH (Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - XBI tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index while PBPH tracks the BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XBI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for PBPH.

Performance

XBI vs. PBPH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XBI achieves a 24.45% return, which is significantly higher than PBPH's 4.70% return.

XBI

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 13.79%
• YTD: 24.45%
• 6M: 20.14%
• 1Y: 82.88%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 1.92%
• 10Y*: 11.96%

PBPH

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 4.70%
• 6M: 3.79%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XBI vs. PBPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	24.45%	2.30%
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	4.70%	0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between XBI and PBPH is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

XBI vs. PBPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 94
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 89
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 95

PBPH

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

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. PBPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH). 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	PBPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.15	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.01	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.57	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.32	—	—

Drawdowns

XBI vs. PBPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XBI drawdown since its inception was -63.89%, which is greater than PBPH's maximum drawdown of -11.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XBI and PBPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XBI	PBPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.89%	-11.10%	-52.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.99%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.30%	-3.31%	-8.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.93%	-4.35%	-16.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XBI	PBPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.94%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.13%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.48%	17.05%	+9.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.30%	17.05%	+15.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	17.05%	+14.95%

XBI vs. PBPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

XBI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than PBPH's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

XBI vs. PBPH - Dividend Comparison

XBI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, more than PBPH's 0.09% 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%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.38%	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 PBPH in my portfolio?

XBI and PBPH have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XBI or PBPH?

On fees, PBPH is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XBI or PBPH?

PBPH is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XBI.

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

XBI has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.09% for PBPH.

What is the main difference between XBI and PBPH?

XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, while PBPH tracks BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Portfolio Building Block. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XBI and 0.13% for PBPH.