MEDI vs. IBRN

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MEDI (Harbor Health Care ETF) and IBRN (iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. MEDI is actively managed, while IBRN is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MEDI returned 15.18%/yr vs 16.26%/yr for IBRN. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEDI charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBRN.

Performance

MEDI vs. IBRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEDI achieves a 3.97% return, which is significantly lower than IBRN's 16.31% return.

MEDI

• 1D: 2.55%
• 1M: 5.41%
• YTD: 3.97%
• 6M: 2.41%
• 1Y: 23.71%
• 3Y*: 15.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBRN

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 7.02%
• YTD: 16.31%
• 6M: 15.23%
• 1Y: 70.73%
• 3Y*: 16.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEDI vs. IBRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	3.97%	27.11%	0.58%	24.87%	2.57%
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	16.31%	28.49%	-2.78%	0.92%	1.66%

Correlation

The correlation between MEDI and IBRN is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2022	0.71

The correlation between MEDI and IBRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

MEDI vs. IBRN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MEDI	IBRN
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MEDI vs. IBRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEDI

MEDI Risk / Return Rank: 35
MEDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MEDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MEDI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
MEDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MEDI Martin Ratio Rank: 33

IBRN

IBRN Risk / Return Rank: 91
IBRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
IBRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
IBRN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IBRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
IBRN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

MEDI vs. IBRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN). 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.

	MEDI	IBRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.80	-1.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	3.70	-1.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.43	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	8.08	-6.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.53	22.84	-18.31

MEDI vs. IBRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the IBRN Sharpe Ratio of 2.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEDI and IBRN, 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

MEDI vs. IBRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEDI drawdown since its inception was -19.24%, smaller than the maximum IBRN drawdown of -35.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEDI and IBRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEDI	IBRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.24%	-35.38%	+16.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.34%	-8.80%	-6.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.24%	-35.38%	+16.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	0.00%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-9.73%	+5.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.25%	3.11%	+2.14%

Volatility

MEDI vs. IBRN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) is 6.78%, while iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) has a volatility of 8.13%. This indicates that MEDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEDI	IBRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	8.13%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.75%	19.04%	-3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.26%	25.41%	-5.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.71%	25.34%	-6.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.71%	25.34%	-6.63%

MEDI vs. IBRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEDI has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than IBRN's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEDI vs. IBRN - Dividend Comparison

MEDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than IBRN's 0.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBRN iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF	0.85%	0.99%	0.40%	0.06%
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	0.27%	0.28%	0.54%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEDI and IBRN in my portfolio?

MEDI and IBRN have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEDI or IBRN?

IBRN has higher volatility (8.13%) compared to MEDI (6.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEDI dropped -19.24% vs IBRN's -35.38%.

Which ETF is better, MEDI or IBRN?

On 3-year performance, IBRN leads with 16.26% vs 15.18% for MEDI. On fees, IBRN is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, MEDI has been the lower-risk option at 6.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEDI or IBRN?

Over the 3-year period, IBRN has performed better with a 16.26% return vs 15.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEDI or IBRN?

IBRN is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MEDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEDI or IBRN?

IBRN has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.27% for MEDI.

What is the main difference between MEDI and IBRN?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for MEDI and 0.47% for IBRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 1.18), 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.