BBC vs QQQ
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. BBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. BBC offers more diversification with 121 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $47M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +39.56% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +154.07% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.90% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.34% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BBC vs QQQ Performance
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, BBC is up 39.56% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, BBC compounded at +34.90% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.34% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% 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 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBC charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBC currently yields 1.24% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BBC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 224 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BBC or QQQ?
BBC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBC or QQQ?
Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so BBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBC annualized +6.51% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBC or QQQ?
BBC has been the more volatile fund at 35.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: BBC -76.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BBC and QQQ?
BBC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BBC and QQQ?
BBC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 224 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBC or QQQ?
BBC yields 1.24% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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