SBIO vs SCHQ
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF vs Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHQ has a lower expense ratio. SBIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SBIO offers more diversification with 105 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SBIO | SCHQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $806M | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.05% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 98 | |
| YTD Return | +35.11% | -3.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +101.30% | -0.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.81% | +0.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | -6.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.1% | -46.7% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Dec 30, 2014 | Oct 10, 2019 |
SBIO vs SCHQ Performance
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHQ) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year SBIO returned +101.30% while SCHQ returned -0.88%. Year to date, SBIO is up 35.11% versus a loss of 3.15% for SCHQ.
Over three years, SBIO compounded at +32.81% per year against +0.10% for SCHQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.88% and -6.79% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SBIO has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs -4.49%. 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 13.5% for SCHQ. 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 -63.1% for SBIO and -46.7% for SCHQ. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SBIO charges 0.50% per year while SCHQ charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SBIO currently yields 4.05% against 4.73% for SCHQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SBIO or SCHQ?
SBIO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHQ charges 0.03%. SCHQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SBIO or SCHQ?
Over the past year SBIO returned +101.30% vs -0.88% for SCHQ, so SBIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SBIO annualized +9.81% vs -4.49% for SCHQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SBIO or SCHQ?
SBIO has been the more volatile fund at 29.6% annualized versus 13.5% for SCHQ. Worst drawdown: SBIO -63.1% vs SCHQ -46.7%.
Should I hold both SBIO and SCHQ?
SBIO and SCHQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SBIO or SCHQ?
SBIO yields 4.05% while SCHQ yields 4.73%, so SCHQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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