IYC vs. IYH

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IYC (iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF) and IYH (iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IYC is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Index, while IYH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Health Care Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYC returned 11.83%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for IYH. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for IYH.

Performance

IYC vs. IYH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF (IYC) and iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (IYH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYC achieves a -1.40% return, which is significantly lower than IYH's -0.65% return. Over the past 10 years, IYC has outperformed IYH with an annualized return of 11.83%, while IYH has yielded a comparatively lower 9.52% annualized return.

IYC

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: -1.40%
• 6M: -2.54%
• 1Y: 6.51%
• 3Y*: 14.17%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

IYH

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 4.56%
• YTD: -0.65%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 14.83%
• 3Y*: 6.45%
• 5Y*: 4.89%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

IYC vs. IYH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYC iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF	-1.40%	7.85%	27.54%	34.03%	-31.78%	19.65%	24.58%	27.36%	1.76%	19.87%
IYH iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF	-0.65%	13.16%	2.99%	2.14%	-4.46%	23.41%	15.56%	20.80%	5.80%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between IYC and IYH is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2000	0.63

Over the past year, the correlation between IYC and IYH has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.63, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IYC vs. IYH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYC	IYH
Consumer Cyclical	67.4%	-
Communication Services	13.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	11.4%	-
Technology	3.7%	-
Industrials	3.5%	-
Energy	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYC vs. IYH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYC

IYC Risk / Return Rank: 15
IYC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
IYC Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
IYC Omega Ratio Rank: 14
IYC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
IYC Martin Ratio Rank: 16

IYH

IYH Risk / Return Rank: 29
IYH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
IYH Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
IYH Omega Ratio Rank: 28
IYH Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
IYH Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

IYC vs. IYH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF (IYC) and iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (IYH). 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.

	IYC	IYH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.36	0.94	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	1.52	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.17	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.44	1.33	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.28	3.18	-1.90

IYC vs. IYH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYC Sharpe Ratio is 0.36, which is lower than the IYH Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYC and IYH, 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

IYC vs. IYH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYC drawdown since its inception was -53.10%, which is greater than IYH's maximum drawdown of -43.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYC and IYH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYC	IYH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.10%	-43.12%	-9.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.97%	-10.64%	-1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.62%	-17.91%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.90%	-17.91%	-17.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.90%	-28.40%	-7.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.12%	-3.94%	-1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.95%	-8.96%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	4.46%	-0.38%

Volatility

IYC vs. IYH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF (IYC) is 4.33%, while iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (IYH) has a volatility of 4.94%. This indicates that IYC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IYH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYC	IYH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	4.94%	-0.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.74%	10.64%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	15.10%	-0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	14.96%	+5.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.90%	16.74%	+3.16%

IYC vs. IYH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than IYH's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYC vs. IYH - Dividend Comparison

IYC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than IYH's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IYC iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF	0.50%	0.51%	0.47%	0.68%	0.68%	0.39%	0.65%	0.89%	0.90%	0.92%	1.10%	1.03%
IYH iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF	1.25%	1.19%	1.25%	1.18%	1.10%	0.94%	1.16%	1.14%	1.95%	1.10%	1.29%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYC and IYH in my portfolio?

IYC and IYH 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, IYC or IYH?

IYH has higher volatility (4.94%) compared to IYC (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYC dropped -53.10% vs IYH's -43.12%.

Which ETF is better, IYC or IYH?

On 10-year performance, IYC leads with 11.83% vs 9.52% for IYH. On fees, IYC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IYC has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYC or IYH?

Over the 10-year period, IYC has performed better with a 11.83% return vs 9.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYC or IYH?

IYC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for IYH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYC or IYH?

IYH has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.50% for IYC.

What is the main difference between IYC and IYH?

IYC is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while IYH is Health & Biotech Equities. IYC tracks Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Index, while IYH tracks Dow Jones U.S. Health Care Index. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYC and 0.43% for IYH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IYH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.36), 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.