BBC vs SPY
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $47M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +39.56% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +154.07% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.90% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.34% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BBC vs SPY Performance
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BBC is up 39.56% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, BBC compounded at +34.90% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.34% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBC currently yields 1.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BBC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 624 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 SPY?
BBC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBC or SPY?
Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% vs +23.66% for SPY, so BBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBC annualized +6.51% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBC or SPY?
BBC has been the more volatile fund at 35.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BBC -76.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BBC and SPY?
BBC and SPY 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 SPY?
BBC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBC or SPY?
BBC yields 1.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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