BBP vs QQQ
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. BBP delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $106M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 70 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +29.87% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.78% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.76% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BBP vs QQQ Performance
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BBP returned +53.78% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, BBP is up 29.87% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, BBP compounded at +25.28% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.76% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +12.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 23.9% for BBP. 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 -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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBP charges 0.34% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $18 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBP currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BBP and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 165 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BBP or QQQ?
BBP has an expense ratio of 0.34% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBP or QQQ?
Over the past year BBP returned +53.78% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so BBP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBP annualized +12.71% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.9% for BBP. Worst drawdown: BBP -44.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BBP and QQQ?
BBP and QQQ 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 BBP and QQQ?
BBP and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 165 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBP or QQQ?
BBP yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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