HEAL vs. XPH

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HEAL (Global X HealthTech ETF) and XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - HEAL tracks the Global X HealthTech Index while XPH tracks the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HEAL returned -14.18%/yr vs 5.50%/yr for XPH. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEAL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XPH.

Performance

HEAL vs. XPH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEAL achieves a -7.55% return, which is significantly lower than XPH's 15.46% return.

HEAL

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: 9.23%
• YTD: -7.55%
• 6M: -9.57%
• 1Y: -14.47%
• 3Y*: -7.15%
• 5Y*: -14.18%
• 10Y*: —

XPH

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 11.21%
• YTD: 15.46%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 58.12%
• 3Y*: 18.06%
• 5Y*: 5.50%
• 10Y*: 6.01%

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

HEAL vs. XPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	-7.55%	-0.62%	-2.87%	-12.61%	-29.99%	-14.21%	16.89%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	15.46%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	20.61%

Correlation

The correlation between HEAL and XPH is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2020	0.62

The correlation between HEAL and XPH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

HEAL vs. XPH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEAL	XPH
Healthcare	96.5%	100.0%
Technology	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HEAL vs. XPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEAL

HEAL Risk / Return Rank: 5
HEAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
HEAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
HEAL Omega Ratio Rank: 4
HEAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
HEAL Martin Ratio Rank: 5

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 89
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. XPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). 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	XPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.65	2.68	-3.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.83	3.58	-4.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.43	-0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.47	4.88	-5.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.90	17.52	-18.43

HEAL vs. XPH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEAL Sharpe Ratio is -0.65, which is lower than the XPH Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEAL and XPH, 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. XPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEAL drawdown since its inception was -65.76%, which is greater than XPH's maximum drawdown of -48.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEAL and XPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEAL	XPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.76%	-48.03%	-17.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.71%	-11.97%	-18.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.78%	-23.57%	-12.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.36%	-31.63%	-28.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-60.09%	0.00%	-60.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-17.20%	-26.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.07%	3.33%	+12.74%

Volatility

HEAL vs. XPH - Volatility Comparison

Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) has a higher volatility of 7.44% compared to SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) at 6.43%. This indicates that HEAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XPH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEAL	XPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.44%	6.43%	+1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.69%	16.61%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.31%	21.80%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.48%	20.93%	+5.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.27%	22.09%	+4.18%

HEAL vs. XPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEAL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XPH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEAL vs. XPH - Dividend Comparison

HEAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than XPH's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEAL Global X HealthTech ETF	0.36%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.52%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEAL and XPH in my portfolio?

HEAL and XPH have a correlation of 0.53, 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 XPH?

HEAL has higher volatility (7.44%) compared to XPH (6.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEAL dropped -65.76% vs XPH's -48.03%.

Which ETF is better, HEAL or XPH?

On 5-year performance, XPH leads with 5.50% vs -14.18% for HEAL. On fees, XPH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XPH has been the lower-risk option at 6.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEAL or XPH?

Over the 5-year period, XPH has performed better with a 5.50% return vs -14.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEAL or XPH?

XPH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HEAL.

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

XPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.52%, compared with 0.36% for HEAL.

What is the main difference between HEAL and XPH?

HEAL tracks Global X HealthTech Index, while XPH tracks S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HEAL and 0.35% for XPH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs -0.65), 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.