IGM vs. IAK

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and IAK (iShares U.S. Insurance ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while IAK is a Financials Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Insurance Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGM returned 25.12%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for IAK. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for IAK.

Performance

IGM vs. IAK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGM achieves a 27.92% return, which is significantly higher than IAK's 0.99% return. Over the past 10 years, IGM has outperformed IAK with an annualized return of 25.12%, while IAK has yielded a comparatively lower 12.68% annualized return.

IGM

• 1D: 3.64%
• 1M: 7.10%
• YTD: 27.92%
• 6M: 29.29%
• 1Y: 56.16%
• 3Y*: 36.48%
• 5Y*: 20.96%
• 10Y*: 25.12%

IAK

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: -0.34%
• 1Y: 5.04%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

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

IGM vs. IAK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	27.92%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
IAK iShares U.S. Insurance ETF	0.99%	9.50%	28.25%	11.28%	11.33%	26.84%	-2.86%	25.94%	-11.48%	14.18%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and IAK is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2006	0.51

The correlation between IGM and IAK shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (1 year) to 0.51 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IGM vs. IAK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	IAK
Technology	85.2%	-
Communication Services	13.9%	-
Industrials	0.3%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	99.4%
Energy	0.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. IAK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 78
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 80
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

IAK

IAK Risk / Return Rank: 15
IAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
IAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
IAK Omega Ratio Rank: 14
IAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
IAK Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

IGM vs. IAK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK). 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.

	IGM	IAK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	0.34	+2.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	0.57	+2.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.07	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	0.66	+2.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.62	1.48	+10.14

IGM vs. IAK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the IAK Sharpe Ratio of 0.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM and IAK, 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

IGM vs. IAK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, smaller than the maximum IAK drawdown of -77.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and IAK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	IAK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-77.38%	+11.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-7.62%	-8.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-11.58%	-14.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-14.76%	-25.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	-44.95%	+4.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.41%	-0.34%	-3.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.22%	-16.11%	+0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.85%	3.41%	+1.44%

Volatility

IGM vs. IAK - Volatility Comparison

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) has a higher volatility of 10.54% compared to iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) at 5.45%. This indicates that IGM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IAK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGM	IAK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.54%	5.45%	+5.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.42%	10.48%	+7.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.24%	15.04%	+7.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.97%	18.14%	+7.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.70%	20.92%	+3.78%

IGM vs. IAK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than IAK's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. IAK - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than IAK's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IAK iShares U.S. Insurance ETF	2.90%	1.69%	1.49%	1.44%	1.69%	2.26%	2.07%	1.84%	2.33%	1.62%	1.68%	1.62%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.17%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and IAK in my portfolio?

IGM and IAK have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or IAK?

IGM has higher volatility (10.54%) compared to IAK (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs IAK's -77.38%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or IAK?

On 10-year performance, IGM leads with 25.12% vs 12.68% for IAK. On fees, IGM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IAK has been the lower-risk option at 5.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or IAK?

Over the 10-year period, IGM has performed better with a 25.12% return vs 12.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or IAK?

IGM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for IAK.

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

IAK has the higher dividend yield at 2.90%, compared with 0.17% for IGM.

What is the main difference between IGM and IAK?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while IAK is Financials Equities. IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while IAK tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Insurance Index. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.43% for IAK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 0.34), 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.