IXJ vs. FTXH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare ETF) and FTXH (First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IXJ tracks the S&P Global Healthcare Sector Index while FTXH tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IXJ returned 4.02%/yr vs 7.80%/yr for FTXH. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXJ charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXH.

Performance

IXJ vs. FTXH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH). 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 FTXH's 5.00% 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%

FTXH

• 1D: 1.69%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 5.00%
• 6M: 6.02%
• 1Y: 36.24%
• 3Y*: 11.48%
• 5Y*: 7.80%
• 10Y*: —

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

IXJ vs. FTXH - 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%
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	5.00%	24.15%	2.98%	-1.41%	2.55%	6.14%	11.73%	22.13%	-9.51%	19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between IXJ and FTXH is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.71

The correlation between IXJ and FTXH shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (all time) to 0.86 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXJ vs. FTXH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXJ	FTXH
Healthcare	98.9%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXJ vs. FTXH — 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

FTXH

FTXH Risk / Return Rank: 71
FTXH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FTXH Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FTXH Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FTXH Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FTXH Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. FTXH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH). 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	FTXH	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	2.14	-1.50
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.06	3.16	-2.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.37	-0.25
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	4.87	-4.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.11	14.07	-11.96
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. FTXH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXJ Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the FTXH Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXJ and FTXH, 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	FTXH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	2.14	-1.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.48	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.38	+0.04

Drawdowns

IXJ vs. FTXH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXJ drawdown since its inception was -40.60%, which is greater than FTXH's maximum drawdown of -32.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXJ and FTXH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXJ	FTXH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.60%	-32.11%	-8.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-7.47%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.14%	-19.51%	+1.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.14%	-19.51%	+1.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.27%	-2.88%	-6.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-5.84%	-1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.41%	2.58%	+1.83%

Volatility

IXJ vs. FTXH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) is 3.75%, while First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) has a volatility of 4.83%. This indicates that IXJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXJ	FTXH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	4.83%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	11.73%	-1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.55%	16.98%	-2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.21%	16.31%	-2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	18.41%	-2.74%

IXJ vs. FTXH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXJ has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXH's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXJ vs. FTXH - Dividend Comparison

IXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than FTXH's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	1.22%	1.41%	1.66%	1.55%	1.11%	1.03%	0.82%	0.67%	0.91%	2.18%	0.19%	0.00%
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 FTXH in my portfolio?

IXJ and FTXH have a correlation of 0.86, 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 FTXH?

FTXH has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to IXJ (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXJ dropped -40.60% vs FTXH's -32.11%.

Which ETF is better, IXJ or FTXH?

On 5-year performance, FTXH leads with 7.80% vs 4.02% for IXJ. On fees, IXJ is cheaper at 0.46% 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 FTXH?

Over the 5-year period, FTXH has performed better with a 7.80% return vs 4.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXJ or FTXH?

IXJ is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXH.

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

IXJ has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 1.22% for FTXH.

What is the main difference between IXJ and FTXH?

IXJ tracks S&P Global Healthcare Sector Index, while FTXH tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IXJ and 0.60% for FTXH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 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.