IXJ vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXJ is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Healthcare Sector Index, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXJ returned 7.66%/yr vs 12.85%/yr for ACWI. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXJ charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

IXJ vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXJ achieves a -5.26% return, which is significantly lower than ACWI's 12.13% return. Over the past 10 years, IXJ has underperformed ACWI with an annualized return of 7.66%, while ACWI has yielded a comparatively higher 12.85% annualized return.

IXJ

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: -5.26%
• 6M: -4.88%
• 1Y: 9.30%
• 3Y*: 4.42%
• 5Y*: 4.02%
• 10Y*: 7.66%

ACWI

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 5.28%
• YTD: 12.13%
• 6M: 12.96%
• 1Y: 29.18%
• 3Y*: 21.15%
• 5Y*: 11.28%
• 10Y*: 12.85%

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

IXJ vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	-5.26%	14.99%	0.55%	3.62%	-4.94%	19.60%	12.74%	23.23%	2.83%	20.44%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	12.13%	22.41%	17.45%	22.27%	-18.39%	18.66%	16.34%	26.59%	-9.19%	24.33%

Correlation

The correlation between IXJ and ACWI is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2008	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between IXJ and ACWI has dropped to 0.47 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IXJ vs. ACWI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXJ	ACWI
Healthcare	98.9%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	5.0%
Basic Materials	-	3.7%
Communication Services	-	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.3%
Energy	-	4.2%
Financial Services	-	16.1%
Industrials	-	10.9%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	29.4%
Utilities	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

IXJ vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXJ

IXJ Risk / Return Rank: 19
IXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
IXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 18
IXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
IXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 19

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 66
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

IXJ vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). 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.

	IXJ	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	2.29	-1.65
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.06	3.17	-2.11
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.41	-0.29
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	3.01	-2.15
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.11	13.53	-11.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IXJ vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXJ Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXJ and ACWI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IXJ	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	2.29	-1.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.71	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.75	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.43	-0.01

Drawdowns

IXJ vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXJ drawdown since its inception was -40.60%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXJ and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXJ	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.60%	-56.00%	+15.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-9.73%	-1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.14%	-16.55%	-1.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.14%	-26.42%	+8.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.35%	-33.53%	+6.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.27%	-0.83%	-8.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-8.61%	+1.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.41%	2.16%	+2.25%

Volatility

IXJ vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) have volatilities of 3.75% and 3.93%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXJ	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	3.93%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	10.29%	-0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.55%	12.78%	+1.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.21%	16.05%	-1.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	17.11%	-1.44%

IXJ vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXJ has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXJ vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

IXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than ACWI's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.38%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	1.47%	1.40%	1.50%	1.38%	1.17%	1.12%	1.27%	1.42%	2.11%	1.46%	1.73%	2.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXJ and ACWI in my portfolio?

IXJ and ACWI have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXJ or ACWI?

ACWI has higher volatility (3.93%) compared to IXJ (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXJ dropped -40.60% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, IXJ or ACWI?

On 10-year performance, ACWI leads with 12.85% vs 7.66% for IXJ. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, IXJ has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXJ or ACWI?

Over the 10-year period, ACWI has performed better with a 12.85% return vs 7.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXJ or ACWI?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXJ or ACWI?

IXJ has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 1.38% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between IXJ and ACWI?

IXJ is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while ACWI is Global Equities. IXJ tracks S&P Global Healthcare Sector Index, while ACWI tracks MSCI All Country World Index. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IXJ and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 0.64), 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.