Quick Verdict

IG has a lower expense ratio. SBIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.

Lower Fees: IGHigher Returns: SBIOMore Diversified: IG

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIGSBIOWinner
Expense Ratio0.19%0.50%
AUM$198M$202M
Dividend Yield5.07%4.05%
Holdings24887
YTD Return-1.54%+34.80%
1Y Return+0.84%+106.24%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.56%+32.77%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.69%+9.56%
Volatility (annualized)8.0%29.6%
Max Drawdown-23.8%-63.1%
Fund FamilyPrincipal FundsALPS Advisors
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionApr 18, 2018Dec 30, 2014

IG vs SBIO Performance

Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year IG returned +0.84% while SBIO returned +106.24%. Year to date, IG is down 1.54% versus a gain of 34.80% for SBIO.

Over three years, IG compounded at +4.56% per year against +32.77% for SBIO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.69% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SBIO has the edge at +9.80% annualized vs +0.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SBIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.6% compared with 8.0% for IG. 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 -23.8% for IG and -63.1% for SBIO. 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

IG charges 0.19% per year while SBIO charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $50 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IG currently yields 5.07% against 4.05% for SBIO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IG and SBIO share 0 holdings out of 250 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, IG or SBIO?

IG has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SBIO charges 0.50%. IG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IG or SBIO?

Over the past year IG returned +0.84% vs +106.24% for SBIO, so SBIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IG annualized +0.59% vs +9.80% for SBIO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IG or SBIO?

SBIO has been the more volatile fund at 29.6% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: IG -23.8% vs SBIO -63.1%.

Should I hold both IG and SBIO?

IG and SBIO 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 IG and SBIO?

IG and SBIO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IG or SBIO?

IG yields 5.07% while SBIO yields 4.05%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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