XSD vs. IBB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) and IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry, while IBB is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XSD returned 31.10%/yr vs 6.23%/yr for IBB. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XSD charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBB.

Performance

XSD vs. IBB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XSD achieves a 102.14% return, which is significantly higher than IBB's -0.68% return. Over the past 10 years, XSD has outperformed IBB with an annualized return of 31.10%, while IBB has yielded a comparatively lower 6.23% annualized return.

XSD

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: 30.91%
• YTD: 102.14%
• 6M: 92.84%
• 1Y: 180.25%
• 3Y*: 46.41%
• 5Y*: 29.69%
• 10Y*: 31.10%

IBB

• 1D: 1.97%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: -0.68%
• 6M: -2.57%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 9.40%
• 5Y*: 2.10%
• 10Y*: 6.23%

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

XSD vs. IBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	102.14%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	-0.68%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	0.95%	26.01%	25.42%	-9.53%	21.08%

Correlation

The correlation between XSD and IBB is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2006	0.57

The correlation between XSD and IBB shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XSD vs. IBB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSD	IBB
Technology	97.8%	-
Energy	2.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XSD vs. IBB — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 95
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 96

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 56
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

XSD vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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.

	XSD	IBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.00	1.74	+3.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.03	2.50	+2.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.65	1.30	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.75	3.60	+6.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	33.91	11.43	+22.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XSD vs. IBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSD Sharpe Ratio is 5.00, which is higher than the IBB Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSD and IBB, 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

	XSD	IBB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.00	1.74	+3.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.10	+0.68
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89	0.27	+0.62
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.26	+0.18

Drawdowns

XSD vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSD drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, roughly equal to the maximum IBB drawdown of -62.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSD and IBB.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSD	IBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-62.85%	-1.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.61%	-9.63%	-8.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.25%	-24.85%	-16.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.27%	-39.82%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.27%	-39.82%	-2.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.64%	+5.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.74%	-21.18%	+7.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.34%	3.03%	+2.31%

Volatility

XSD vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a higher volatility of 14.94% compared to iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) at 6.86%. This indicates that XSD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSD	IBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.94%	6.86%	+8.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.89%	15.38%	+12.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.39%	19.89%	+16.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.25%	21.99%	+16.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.96%	23.22%	+11.74%

XSD vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

XSD has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

XSD vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison

XSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than IBB's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.23%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSD and IBB in my portfolio?

XSD and IBB have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSD or IBB?

XSD has higher volatility (14.94%) compared to IBB (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSD dropped -64.56% vs IBB's -62.85%.

Which ETF is better, XSD or IBB?

On 10-year performance, XSD leads with 31.10% vs 6.23% for IBB. On fees, XSD is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IBB has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSD or IBB?

Over the 10-year period, XSD has performed better with a 31.10% return vs 6.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSD or IBB?

XSD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XSD or IBB?

IBB has the higher dividend yield at 0.23%, compared with 0.12% for XSD.

What is the main difference between XSD and IBB?

XSD is categorized as Semiconductors, while IBB is Health & Biotech Equities. XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry, while IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XSD and 0.47% for IBB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.00 vs 1.74), 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.