PBE vs VOO
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $283M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.86% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.58% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.34% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PBE vs VOO Performance
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF (PBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBE returned +45.58% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PBE is up 13.86% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PBE compounded at +15.28% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.34% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -45.7% for PBE and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBE charges 0.58% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBE currently yields 1.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PBE and VOO share 7 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBE or VOO?
PBE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBE or VOO?
Over the past year PBE returned +45.58% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PBE annualized +9.22% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBE or VOO?
PBE has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PBE -45.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PBE and VOO?
PBE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBE and VOO?
PBE and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBE or VOO?
PBE yields 1.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PBE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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