---
title: "XBI vs. IBB: Which Biotech ETF do Analysts Prefer in 2026?"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/276158809.md"
description: "In 2026, Biotech ETFs, particularly the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), are gaining attention as markets reassess growth prospects. XBI offers diversified exposure with over 140 holdings and a strong performance, showing a year-to-date increase of 0.72% and a one-year return of 34.90%. Analysts rate XBI a \"Strong Buy\" with an average price target suggesting a 55% upside, highlighting top holdings like Invivyd Inc. and Upstream Bio Inc. with significant potential returns."
datetime: "2026-02-17T18:59:49.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/276158809.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276158809.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/276158809.md)
---

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# XBI vs. IBB: Which Biotech ETF do Analysts Prefer in 2026?

etfs"\>Biotech ETFs are back on experts' radar in 2026 as markets reassess growth-sector prospects amid shifting sentiment and renewed strength in healthcare technology stocks. The two most closely watched funds are the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), both of which have posted solid gains over the past year, reflecting a broader rebound in biotechnology equities.

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While XBI and IBB are among the largest and most liquid biotech-focused ETFs in the U.S. market, they differ in portfolio construction, concentration, and performance drivers. A closer look at returns, holdings, and analyst sentiment helps determine where analysts' preference leans in 2026.

## **What Analysts Say About XBI Biotech ETF**

The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF provides diversified exposure to ai"\>U.S. biotechnology stocks through an equal-weight structure. With more than 140 holdings, each position is allocated similarly, keeping concentration low. The fund's top 10 holdings account for approximately 15.70% of total assets, thereby limiting reliance on any single company.

As of February 17, XBI is up 0.72% year-to-date, with a one-year return of 34.90% and a three-year return of 13.00%, according to NAV. TipRanks analysts' consensus also rates XBI a "Strong Buy" across 145 underlying holdings, with an implied upside of roughly 55% based on the average price target. Among individual names, Invivyd Inc. (IVVD) and Upstream Bio Inc. (UPB) rank as the top two holdings, with the highest upside potential of 541.03% and 457.71%, respectively.

### Related Stocks

- [State Street® SPDR® S&P® Biotech ETF (XBI.US)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/XBI.US.md)
- [iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB.US)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IBB.US.md)
- [Upstream Bio, Inc. (UPB.US)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/UPB.US.md)
- [Invivyd, Inc. (IVVD.US)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IVVD.US.md)

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- [IBB, IHI, XBI: Boost Your Portfolio with Healthcare Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)](https://longbridge.com/en/news/281550008.md)
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