IAK vs. GSIB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

IAK (iShares U.S. Insurance ETF) and GSIB (Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. IAK is passively managed, while GSIB is actively managed. Over the past year, IAK returned 7.11% vs 42.42% for GSIB. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IAK charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for GSIB.

Performance

IAK vs. GSIB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) and Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IAK achieves a 3.98% return, which is significantly lower than GSIB's 14.24% return.

IAK

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 3.96%
• YTD: 3.98%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: 7.11%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: 14.32%
• 10Y*: 13.24%

GSIB

• 1D: -1.77%
• 1M: 5.64%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 6M: 12.75%
• 1Y: 42.42%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IAK vs. GSIB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IAK iShares U.S. Insurance ETF	3.98%	9.50%	28.25%	1.32%
GSIB Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF	14.24%	61.67%	32.86%	1.75%

Correlation

The correlation between IAK and GSIB is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.37

The correlation between IAK and GSIB shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.37 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IAK vs. GSIB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IAK	GSIB
Financial Services	99.4%	100.0%
Healthcare	0.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IAK vs. GSIB — Risk / Return Rank

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

IAK

IAK Risk / Return Rank: 18
IAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
IAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
IAK Omega Ratio Rank: 15
IAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
IAK Martin Ratio Rank: 20

GSIB

GSIB Risk / Return Rank: 76
GSIB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
GSIB Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
GSIB Omega Ratio Rank: 78
GSIB Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
GSIB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

IAK vs. GSIB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) and Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB). 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.

	IAK	GSIB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	2.45	-1.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	3.41	-2.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.41	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	3.07	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.09	10.79	-8.70

IAK vs. GSIB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IAK Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the GSIB Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IAK and GSIB, 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

IAK vs. GSIB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IAK drawdown since its inception was -77.38%, which is greater than GSIB's maximum drawdown of -17.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IAK and GSIB.

Drawdown Indicators

	IAK	GSIB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.38%	-17.71%	-59.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.62%	-13.90%	+6.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.36%	+2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.09%	-2.03%	-14.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	3.94%	-0.53%

Volatility

IAK vs. GSIB - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) has a higher volatility of 5.61% compared to Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB) at 5.32%. This indicates that IAK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GSIB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IAK	GSIB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	5.32%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.66%	14.48%	-3.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	17.51%	-2.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.47%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.87%	18.47%	+2.40%

IAK vs. GSIB - Expense Ratio Comparison

IAK has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than GSIB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IAK vs. GSIB - Dividend Comparison

IAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.57%, more than GSIB's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSIB Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF	1.67%	1.91%	1.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IAK iShares U.S. Insurance ETF	2.57%	1.69%	1.49%	1.44%	1.69%	2.26%	2.07%	1.84%	2.33%	1.62%	1.68%	1.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IAK and GSIB in my portfolio?

IAK and GSIB have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IAK or GSIB?

IAK has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to GSIB (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IAK dropped -77.38% vs GSIB's -17.71%.

Which ETF is better, IAK or GSIB?

On 1-year performance, GSIB leads with 42.42% vs 7.11% for IAK. On fees, GSIB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, GSIB has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IAK or GSIB?

Over the 1-year period, GSIB has performed better with a 42.42% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IAK or GSIB?

GSIB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IAK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IAK or GSIB?

IAK has the higher dividend yield at 2.57%, compared with 1.67% for GSIB.

What is the main difference between IAK and GSIB?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Themes. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IAK and 0.35% for GSIB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSIB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 0.47), 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.