HEAL vs. PBPH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HEAL (Global X HealthTech ETF) and PBPH (Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - HEAL tracks the Global X HealthTech Index while PBPH tracks the BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HEAL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for PBPH.

Performance

HEAL vs. PBPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) and Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEAL achieves a -15.57% return, which is significantly lower than PBPH's -1.13% return.

HEAL

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -2.59%
• YTD: -15.57%
• 6M: -20.78%
• 1Y: -22.08%
• 3Y*: -10.46%
• 5Y*: -14.71%
• 10Y*: —

PBPH

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: -1.13%
• 6M: -0.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HEAL vs. PBPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	-15.57%	-7.57%
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	-1.13%	0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between HEAL and PBPH is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2025	0.29

Return for Risk

HEAL vs. PBPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEAL

HEAL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HEAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
HEAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
HEAL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HEAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
HEAL Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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. PBPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) and Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF (PBPH). 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.

	HEAL	PBPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.01	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.40	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.72	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.46	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HEAL	PBPH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.56	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.39	-0.04	-0.35

Drawdowns

HEAL vs. PBPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEAL drawdown since its inception was -65.76%, which is greater than PBPH's maximum drawdown of -11.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEAL and PBPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEAL	PBPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.76%	-11.10%	-54.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-63.55%	-8.69%	-54.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.02%	-4.23%	-38.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.13%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HEAL	PBPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.89%	16.78%	+5.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.37%	16.78%	+9.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.18%	16.78%	+9.40%

HEAL vs. PBPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEAL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than PBPH's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEAL vs. PBPH - Dividend Comparison

HEAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, more than PBPH's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	0.39%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.03%
PBPH Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF	0.09%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEAL and PBPH in my portfolio?

HEAL and PBPH have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HEAL or PBPH?

On fees, PBPH is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEAL or PBPH?

PBPH is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HEAL.

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

HEAL has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.09% for PBPH.

What is the main difference between HEAL and PBPH?

HEAL tracks Global X HealthTech Index, while PBPH tracks BITA Global Pharma and Biotech Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Portfolio Building Block. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HEAL and 0.13% for PBPH.