BBH vs SPY
VanEck Biotech ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BBH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $394M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.46% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.95% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.19% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BBH vs SPY Performance
VanEck Biotech ETF (BBH) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BBH returned +33.95% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BBH is up 15.46% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BBH compounded at +11.28% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.19% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, BBH has the edge at +14.31% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BBH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.0% 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 -72.7% for BBH 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBH charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBH currently yields 0.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BBH and SPY share 10 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BBH or SPY?
BBH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBH or SPY?
Over the past year BBH returned +33.95% vs +21.96% for SPY, so BBH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), BBH annualized +14.31% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBH or SPY?
BBH has been the more volatile fund at 31.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BBH -72.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BBH and SPY?
BBH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BBH and SPY?
BBH and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBH or SPY?
BBH yields 0.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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