BBP vs IVV
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. BBP delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBP | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $106M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 70 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +27.15% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.96% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.01% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
BBP vs IVV Performance
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) 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 BBP returned +51.96% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, BBP is up 27.15% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, BBP compounded at +24.01% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BBP has the edge at +12.52% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BBP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -44.3% for BBP 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBP charges 0.34% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBP currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BBP and IVV share 7 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BBP or IVV?
BBP has an expense ratio of 0.34% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBP or IVV?
Over the past year BBP returned +51.96% vs +21.79% for IVV, so BBP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBP annualized +12.52% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBP or IVV?
BBP has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: BBP -44.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BBP and IVV?
BBP and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BBP and IVV?
BBP and IVV share 7 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBP or IVV?
BBP yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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