Biotech ETFs Hovering Around a 52-Week: Here's Why

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) has shown significant performance improvement in 2025, with a 26.1% increase over the past six months, outperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) which rose 24.4% during the same period [1] Performance Summary - The MSCI USA Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Index had low returns of 3.74% in 2024 and 0.97% in 2023, contrasting with the MSCI USA index which returned 25.1% and 27.1% in those years [2] - The Biomedical and Genetics industry outperformed the S&P 500 with returns of 8.10% over the past three months and 6.38% over the past month, while the S&P 500 gained 7.05% and 2.45% respectively [3] Factors Behind the Rally - Biotech stocks are currently trading at cheaper valuations compared to the broader market, with the MSCI USA Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Index at a forward P/E of 15.92X versus 23.25X for the MSCI USA index as of September 30, 2025 [5] - The Biomedical and Genetics industry has a forward P/E of 20.30X, slightly above the S&P 500's 20.22X, and a PEG ratio of 1.65X compared to the S&P 500's 2.34X, with projected EPS growth of 19.47% versus 7.04% for the S&P 500 [6] - Hopes for further Federal Reserve rate cuts are beneficial for biotech companies, which typically require cheaper funding, especially smaller firms [7] - Recent deals by major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca to lower drug prices and avoid tariffs signal potential regulatory relief for the industry [9][10] Regulatory and Approval Landscape - The FDA has approved numerous biotechnology drugs in 2025, with 34 approvals so far, following 50 in 2024 and about 55 in 2023, indicating a steady flow of new products [11] Investment Activity - Biopharma venture investment reached $5.8 billion across 86 rounds in Q3 2025, totaling $17.1 billion year-to-date, with 35 M&A transactions amounting to $30.8 billion [12] - Licensing activity in biopharma has also been strong, with quarterly announced values reaching $63.7 billion and $183.7 billion year-to-date [13] ETF Focus - Biotech ETFs such as ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO), Virtus Lifesci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC), Virtus Lifesci Biotech Products ETF (BBP), and S&P Biotech SPDR (XBI) are currently near their 52-week highs [14]