HEAL vs. IHE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

HEAL (Global X HealthTech ETF) and IHE (iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - HEAL tracks the Global X HealthTech Index while IHE tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Pharmaceuticals Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HEAL returned -12.46%/yr vs 11.71%/yr for IHE. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HEAL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IHE.

Performance

HEAL vs. IHE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) and iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEAL achieves a -3.82% return, which is significantly lower than IHE's 17.26% return.

HEAL

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 8.66%
• 6M: -7.84%
• YTD: -3.82%
• 1Y: -10.83%
• 3Y*: -7.80%
• 5Y*: -12.46%
• 10Y*: —

IHE

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 4.64%
• 6M: 15.63%
• YTD: 17.26%
• 1Y: 48.86%
• 3Y*: 20.97%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: 8.62%

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

HEAL vs. IHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	-3.82%	-0.62%	-2.87%	-12.61%	-29.99%	-14.21%	16.89%
IHE iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF	17.26%	31.69%	8.13%	1.06%	-4.87%	13.07%	14.00%

Correlation

The correlation between HEAL and IHE is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2020	0.47

HEAL vs. IHE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEAL	IHE
Healthcare	95.2%	100.0%
Technology	4.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HEAL vs. IHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEAL

HEAL Risk / Return Rank: 6
HEAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
HEAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
HEAL Omega Ratio Rank: 5
HEAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
HEAL Martin Ratio Rank: 6

IHE

IHE Risk / Return Rank: 93
IHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
IHE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
IHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
IHE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

HEAL vs. IHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) and iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	HEAL	IHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.48	2.71	-3.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.56	3.99	-4.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.45	-0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.35	5.80	-6.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.66	17.64	-18.30

HEAL vs. IHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEAL Sharpe Ratio is -0.48, which is lower than the IHE Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEAL and IHE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HEAL vs. IHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEAL drawdown since its inception was -65.76%, which is greater than IHE's maximum drawdown of -38.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEAL and IHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEAL	IHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.76%	-38.20%	-27.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.71%	-8.47%	-22.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.78%	-15.92%	-19.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.14%	-16.03%	-43.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-29.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-58.48%	-4.42%	-54.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.34%	-7.88%	-35.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.34%	2.78%	+13.56%

Volatility

HEAL vs. IHE - Volatility Comparison

Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) has a higher volatility of 7.35% compared to iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE) at 6.70%. This indicates that HEAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IHE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEAL	IHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.35%	6.70%	+0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.15%	13.72%	+3.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.67%	18.10%	+4.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.59%	16.49%	+10.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.29%	18.06%	+8.23%

HEAL vs. IHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEAL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IHE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEAL vs. IHE - Dividend Comparison

HEAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than IHE's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	0.26%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IHE iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF	1.48%	1.76%	1.73%	1.39%	2.01%	1.49%	1.19%	1.40%	1.25%	1.36%	0.92%	1.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEAL and IHE in my portfolio?

HEAL and IHE have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEAL or IHE?

HEAL has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to IHE (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEAL dropped -65.76% vs IHE's -38.20%.

Which ETF is better, HEAL or IHE?

On 5-year performance, IHE leads with 11.71% vs -12.46% for HEAL. On fees, IHE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IHE has been the lower-risk option at 6.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEAL or IHE?

Over the 5-year period, IHE has performed better with a 11.71% return vs -12.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEAL or IHE?

IHE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HEAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEAL or IHE?

IHE has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.26% for HEAL.

What is the main difference between HEAL and IHE?

HEAL tracks Global X HealthTech Index, while IHE tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Pharmaceuticals Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HEAL and 0.38% for IHE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IHE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs -0.48), 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.