GNOM vs. IBRN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GNOM (Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF) and IBRN (iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - GNOM tracks the Solactive Genomics Index while IBRN tracks the NYSE FactSet Global Neuro Biopharma and MedTech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GNOM returned -0.94%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for IBRN. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GNOM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBRN.

Performance

GNOM vs. IBRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF (GNOM) and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GNOM achieves a 7.81% return, which is significantly higher than IBRN's 6.25% return.

GNOM

• 1D: 1.99%
• 1M: 5.82%
• YTD: 7.81%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 54.21%
• 3Y*: -0.94%
• 5Y*: -10.20%
• 10Y*: —

IBRN

• 1D: 1.56%
• 1M: -1.78%
• YTD: 6.25%
• 6M: 10.50%
• 1Y: 52.08%
• 3Y*: 11.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GNOM vs. IBRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF	7.81%	18.65%	-15.99%	-8.63%	-10.60%
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	6.25%	28.49%	-2.78%	0.92%	5.85%

Correlation

The correlation between GNOM and IBRN is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2022	0.79

The correlation between GNOM and IBRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

GNOM vs. IBRN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GNOM	IBRN
Healthcare	99.6%	100.0%
Technology	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GNOM vs. IBRN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GNOM

GNOM Risk / Return Rank: 57
GNOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
GNOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
GNOM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
GNOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
GNOM Martin Ratio Rank: 51

IBRN

IBRN Risk / Return Rank: 69
IBRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
IBRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
IBRN Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IBRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IBRN Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GNOM vs. IBRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF (GNOM) and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	GNOM	IBRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.07	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.92	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	5.95	-2.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.62	14.63	-6.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GNOM vs. IBRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GNOM Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the IBRN Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GNOM and IBRN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GNOM	IBRN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	2.07	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.31	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.09	0.39	-0.47

Drawdowns

GNOM vs. IBRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GNOM drawdown since its inception was -75.00%, which is greater than IBRN's maximum drawdown of -35.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GNOM and IBRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	GNOM	IBRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.00%	-35.38%	-39.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-8.80%	-9.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-46.47%	-35.38%	-11.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-72.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-55.45%	-4.82%	-50.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.55%	-9.83%	-30.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.30%	3.57%	+2.73%

Volatility

GNOM vs. IBRN - Volatility Comparison

Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF (GNOM) has a higher volatility of 8.47% compared to iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) at 7.69%. This indicates that GNOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GNOM	IBRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.47%	7.69%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.44%	19.08%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.50%	25.36%	+1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.57%	25.32%	+8.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.17%	25.32%	+8.85%

GNOM vs. IBRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

GNOM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IBRN's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

GNOM vs. IBRN - Dividend Comparison

GNOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, more than IBRN's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF	1.27%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.03%	0.14%
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	0.93%	0.99%	0.40%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GNOM and IBRN in my portfolio?

GNOM and IBRN have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GNOM or IBRN?

GNOM has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to IBRN (7.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GNOM dropped -75.00% vs IBRN's -35.38%.

Which ETF is better, GNOM or IBRN?

On 3-year performance, IBRN leads with 11.68% vs -0.94% for GNOM. On fees, IBRN is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IBRN has been the lower-risk option at 7.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GNOM or IBRN?

Over the 3-year period, IBRN has performed better with a 11.68% return vs -0.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GNOM or IBRN?

IBRN is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GNOM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GNOM or IBRN?

GNOM has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.93% for IBRN.

What is the main difference between GNOM and IBRN?

GNOM tracks Solactive Genomics Index, while IBRN tracks NYSE FactSet Global Neuro Biopharma and MedTech Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GNOM and 0.47% for IBRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 2.06), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.