IXJ vs. ARKG

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare ETF) and ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. IXJ is passively managed, while ARKG is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXJ returned 8.22%/yr vs 8.25%/yr for ARKG. Their 0.53 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. IXJ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKG.

Performance

IXJ vs. ARKG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXJ achieves a 3.85% return, which is significantly lower than ARKG's 33.10% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IXJ having a 8.22% annualized return and ARKG not far ahead at 8.25%.

IXJ

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: -1.26%
• 6M: 2.41%
• YTD: 3.85%
• 1Y: 21.78%
• 3Y*: 7.07%
• 5Y*: 4.53%
• 10Y*: 8.22%
• ALL TIME*: 7.37%

ARKG

• 1D: -1.78%
• 1M: -10.14%
• 6M: 26.72%
• YTD: 33.10%
• 1Y: 63.67%
• 3Y*: 1.35%
• 5Y*: -14.38%
• 10Y*: 8.25%
• ALL TIME*: 6.19%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	$92.48M	$118.08M	$121.77M
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	$16.06M	$16.61M	$23.38M

IXJ vs. ARKG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	3.85%	14.99%	0.55%	3.62%	-4.94%	19.60%	12.74%	23.23%	2.83%	20.44%
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	33.10%	23.04%	-28.24%	16.22%	-53.90%	-33.92%	180.40%	44.00%	-1.26%	46.61%

Correlation

The correlation between IXJ and ARKG is 0.40, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2014	0.53

The correlation between IXJ and ARKG shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXJ vs. ARKG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXJ	ARKG
Healthcare	99.2%	97.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	-
Technology	0.4%	2.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.9%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXJ vs. ARKG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IXJ

IXJ Risk / Return Rank: 61
IXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
IXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
IXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 62
IXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 45

ARKG

ARKG Risk / Return Rank: 59
ARKG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ARKG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
ARKG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
ARKG Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
ARKG Martin Ratio Rank: 47

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IXJ vs. ARKG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG). 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.

	IXJ	ARKG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.45	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.16	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	2.26	-0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.99	5.42	-0.42

IXJ vs. ARKG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the ARKG Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXJ and ARKG, 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

IXJ vs. ARKG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXJ drawdown since its inception was -40.60%, smaller than the maximum ARKG drawdown of -83.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXJ and ARKG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXJ	ARKG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.60%	-83.59%	+42.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-27.51%	+16.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.14%	-46.45%	+28.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.14%	-79.26%	+61.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.35%	-83.59%	+56.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.52%	-65.50%	+62.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.90%	-36.27%	+29.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.52%	11.46%	-6.94%

Volatility

IXJ vs. ARKG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) is 5.66%, while ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF (ARKG) has a volatility of 10.47%. This indicates that IXJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXJ	ARKG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	10.47%	-4.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.61%	31.28%	-19.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	43.11%	-27.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.50%	46.17%	-31.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.74%	41.44%	-25.70%

IXJ vs. ARKG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXJ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXJ vs. ARKG - Dividend Comparison

IXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, while ARKG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution Multi-Sector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.85%	3.14%	0.82%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	1.44%	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 ARKG in my portfolio?

IXJ and ARKG have a correlation of 0.40, 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 ARKG?

ARKG has higher volatility (10.47%) compared to IXJ (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXJ dropped -40.60% vs ARKG's -83.59%.

Which ETF is better, IXJ or ARKG?

On 10-year performance, ARKG leads with 8.25% vs 8.22% for IXJ. On fees, IXJ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, IXJ has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXJ or ARKG?

Over the 10-year period, ARKG has performed better with a 8.25% return vs 8.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXJ or ARKG?

IXJ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKG.

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

IXJ has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 0.00% for ARKG.

What is the main difference between IXJ and ARKG?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IXJ and 0.75% for ARKG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.45), 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.