Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. BBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: BBCMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBBCIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.65%0.03%
AUM$47M$865.2B
Dividend Yield1.24%1.09%
Holdings123508
YTD Return+39.56%+13.80%
1Y Return+154.07%+23.70%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.90%+21.49%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.34%+13.43%
Volatility (annualized)35.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-76.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersiShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 16, 2014May 15, 2000

BBC vs IVV Performance

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BBC is up 39.56% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.

Over three years, BBC compounded at +34.90% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.34% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +6.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BBC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.9% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -76.8% for BBC and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BBC charges 0.65% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBC currently yields 1.24% against 1.09% for IVV.

Holdings Overlap

0.6%overlap

BBC and IVV share 1 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BBCWeight in IVVDifference
NUVL0.74%0.62%0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BBC or IVV?

BBC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BBC or IVV?

Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% vs +23.70% for IVV, so BBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBC annualized +6.51% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BBC or IVV?

BBC has been the more volatile fund at 35.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: BBC -76.8% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both BBC and IVV?

BBC and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BBC and IVV?

BBC and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BBC or IVV?

BBC yields 1.24% while IVV yields 1.09%, so BBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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