Two ETFs for top biotech exposure

Article Excerpt

Biotechnology companies have been at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in healthcare over the past two decades—and there are more developments in the pipeline. However, the high cost of product development, long lead times for product testing and regulatory approvals, and low success rates add to their risk. Here are two ETFs that aim to benefit from the opportunities presented by biotech firms despite those challenges. And on page 69, our Supplement looks further into the risks and rewards of biotech stocks. ISHARES BIOTECHNOLOGY ETF $127.86 (New York symbol IBB; TSINetwork ETF Rating: Aggressive; Market cap: $5.1 billion) tracks the NYSE Biotechnology Index. Stocks are weighted based on their market values, but individual holdings are capped at 9%. The industry allocations are to Biotechnology (83%), and Life Sciences Tools and Services (15%). The ETF holds 263 stocks, of which the top 10 contribute 50% of total assets. The main holdings are Gilead Sciences (8.5%), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (8.3%), Amgen (7.9%), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals…