BBP vs SPY
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BBP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $106M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 70 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.15% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.96% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.01% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BBP vs SPY Performance
Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) 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 BBP returned +51.96% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, BBP is up 27.15% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, BBP compounded at +24.01% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BBP has the edge at +12.52% annualized vs +8.86%. 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 15.3% 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 -44.3% for BBP 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBP charges 0.34% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $9 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBP currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BBP and SPY share 7 holdings out of 565 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 SPY?
BBP has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBP or SPY?
Over the past year BBP returned +51.96% vs +21.71% for SPY, so BBP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBP annualized +12.52% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBP or SPY?
BBP has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BBP -44.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BBP and SPY?
BBP and SPY 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 SPY?
BBP and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBP or SPY?
BBP yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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