PABU vs. PPH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PABU (iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF) and PPH (VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PABU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select PAB Index (USD), while PPH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PABU returned 17.15%/yr vs 12.54%/yr for PPH. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PABU charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for PPH.

Performance

PABU vs. PPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) and VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PABU having a 2.93% return and PPH slightly lower at 2.92%.

PABU

• 1D: -1.31%
• 1M: -3.43%
• YTD: 2.93%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 15.63%
• 3Y*: 17.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PPH

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 2.77%
• 1Y: 23.31%
• 3Y*: 12.54%
• 5Y*: 9.67%
• 10Y*: 8.52%

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

PABU vs. PPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PABU iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF	2.93%	13.08%	24.84%	29.51%	-15.45%
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	2.92%	22.00%	8.05%	6.95%	3.08%

Correlation

The correlation between PABU and PPH is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2022	0.43

Over the past year, the correlation between PABU and PPH has dropped to 0.21 - well below their long-term average of 0.43, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PABU vs. PPH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PABU	PPH
Technology	52.4%	-
Real Estate	16.4%	-
Communication Services	8.4%	-
Financial Services	6.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	-
Healthcare	5.6%	100.0%
Utilities	1.6%	-
Industrials	1.6%	0.1%
Energy	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

PABU vs. PPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

PABU

PABU Risk / Return Rank: 30
PABU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
PABU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
PABU Omega Ratio Rank: 32
PABU Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
PABU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

PPH

PPH Risk / Return Rank: 40
PPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
PPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
PPH Omega Ratio Rank: 37
PPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
PPH Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

PABU vs. PPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) and VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH). 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.

	PABU	PPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.33	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	2.07	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	2.18	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.92	5.30	-1.37

PABU vs. PPH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PABU Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the PPH Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PABU and PPH, 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

PABU vs. PPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PABU drawdown since its inception was -22.76%, smaller than the maximum PPH drawdown of -51.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PABU and PPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	PABU	PPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.76%	-51.45%	+28.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.40%	-10.76%	-2.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.85%	-18.06%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-29.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.11%	-4.94%	-2.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.62%	-17.29%	+11.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	4.41%	-0.42%

Volatility

PABU vs. PPH - Volatility Comparison

iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) and VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) have volatilities of 6.31% and 6.27%, 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

	PABU	PPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	6.27%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.53%	12.27%	-0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.23%	17.66%	-3.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.77%	15.17%	+3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.77%	16.98%	+1.79%

PABU vs. PPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

PABU has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than PPH's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

PABU vs. PPH - Dividend Comparison

PABU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than PPH's 2.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PABU iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF	0.95%	0.90%	1.00%	1.06%	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	2.05%	1.78%	1.98%	2.09%	1.55%	1.62%	1.66%	1.77%	1.97%	1.92%	2.43%	1.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PABU and PPH in my portfolio?

PABU and PPH have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PABU or PPH?

PABU has higher volatility (6.31%) compared to PPH (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PABU dropped -22.76% vs PPH's -51.45%.

Which ETF is better, PABU or PPH?

On 3-year performance, PABU leads with 17.15% vs 12.54% for PPH. On fees, PABU is cheaper at 0.10% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PABU or PPH?

Over the 3-year period, PABU has performed better with a 17.15% return vs 12.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PABU or PPH?

PABU is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for PPH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PABU or PPH?

PPH has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 0.95% for PABU.

What is the main difference between PABU and PPH?

PABU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while PPH is Health & Biotech Equities. PABU tracks MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select PAB Index (USD), while PPH tracks MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for PABU and 0.36% for PPH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 1.11), 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.