IXJ vs. VHT

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare ETF) and VHT (Vanguard Health Care ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - IXJ tracks the S&P Global 1200 Health Care (Sector) Capped Index while VHT tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXJ returned 8.22%/yr vs 9.89%/yr for VHT. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. IXJ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VHT.

Performance

IXJ vs. VHT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT). 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 VHT's 6.65% return. Over the past 10 years, IXJ has underperformed VHT with an annualized return of 8.22%, while VHT has yielded a comparatively higher 9.89% annualized return.

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%

VHT

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -1.17%
• 6M: 6.86%
• YTD: 6.65%
• 1Y: 27.92%
• 3Y*: 9.09%
• 5Y*: 5.06%
• 10Y*: 9.89%
• ALL TIME*: 9.92%

*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)
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	$16.06M	$16.61M	$23.38M
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF	$66.49M	$76.90M	$73.37M

IXJ vs. VHT - 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%
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF	6.65%	15.46%	2.66%	2.52%	-5.60%	20.57%	18.29%	21.87%	5.58%	23.26%

Correlation

The correlation between IXJ and VHT is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.91

The correlation between IXJ and VHT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXJ vs. VHT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXJ	VHT
Healthcare	99.2%	99.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	-
Technology	0.4%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXJ vs. VHT — 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

VHT

VHT Risk / Return Rank: 77
VHT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VHT Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VHT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VHT Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VHT Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VHT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT). 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	VHT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.89	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.91	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.33	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	2.74	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.99	6.79	-1.80

IXJ vs. VHT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the VHT Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXJ and VHT, 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. VHT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXJ drawdown since its inception was -40.60%, roughly equal to the maximum VHT drawdown of -39.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXJ and VHT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXJ	VHT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.60%	-39.12%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-10.40%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.14%	-16.91%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.14%	-17.71%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.35%	-28.85%	+1.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.52%	-2.69%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.90%	-5.96%	-0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.52%	4.19%	+0.33%

Volatility

IXJ vs. VHT - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) have volatilities of 5.66% and 5.54%, 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	VHT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	5.54%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.61%	11.64%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	15.35%	+0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.50%	15.25%	-0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.74%	17.02%	-1.28%

IXJ vs. VHT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXJ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VHT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXJ vs. VHT - Dividend Comparison

IXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, less than VHT's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF	1.55%	1.61%	1.53%	1.36%	1.33%	1.14%	1.21%	1.89%	1.38%	1.31%	1.45%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXJ and VHT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IXJ and VHT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IXJ or VHT?

IXJ has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to VHT (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXJ dropped -40.60% vs VHT's -39.12%.

Which ETF is better, IXJ or VHT?

On 10-year performance, VHT leads with 9.89% vs 8.22% for IXJ. On fees, VHT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VHT has been the lower-risk option at 5.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXJ or VHT?

Over the 10-year period, VHT has performed better with a 9.89% 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 VHT?

VHT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IXJ.

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

VHT has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 1.44% for IXJ.

What is the main difference between IXJ and VHT?

IXJ tracks S&P Global 1200 Health Care (Sector) Capped Index, while VHT tracks MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IXJ and 0.09% for VHT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VHT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.50), 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.