PPH vs. XPH

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PPH (VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF) and XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds - PPH tracks the MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index while XPH tracks the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PPH returned 8.08%/yr vs 5.22%/yr for XPH. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PPH charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XPH.

Performance

PPH vs. XPH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPH achieves a 6.91% return, which is significantly lower than XPH's 19.55% return. Over the past 10 years, PPH has outperformed XPH with an annualized return of 8.08%, while XPH has yielded a comparatively lower 5.22% annualized return.

PPH

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 2.76%
• 6M: 4.43%
• YTD: 6.91%
• 1Y: 25.94%
• 3Y*: 14.07%
• 5Y*: 10.30%
• 10Y*: 8.08%

XPH

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: 10.98%
• 6M: 20.41%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 1Y: 59.80%
• 3Y*: 18.81%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 5.22%

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

PPH vs. XPH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	6.91%	22.00%	8.05%	6.95%	2.64%	17.79%	5.49%	19.39%	-5.89%	15.23%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	19.55%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	14.68%	25.61%	-15.32%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between PPH and XPH is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.76

The correlation between PPH and XPH shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PPH vs. XPH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PPH	XPH
Healthcare	100.0%	100.0%
Industrials	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PPH vs. XPH — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPH

PPH Risk / Return Rank: 54
PPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
PPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PPH Omega Ratio Rank: 50
PPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PPH Martin Ratio Rank: 45

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 91
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 87
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PPH vs. XPH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) and SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH). 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.

	PPH	XPH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.68	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	3.56	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.43	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	5.02	-2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.88	17.95	-12.08

PPH vs. XPH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPH Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the XPH Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPH and XPH, 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

PPH vs. XPH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPH drawdown since its inception was -51.45%, which is greater than XPH's maximum drawdown of -48.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPH and XPH.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPH	XPH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.45%	-48.03%	-3.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	-11.97%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-23.57%	+5.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.26%	-31.63%	+11.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.70%	-35.97%	+6.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.53%	-4.61%	+2.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.26%	-17.17%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.43%	3.34%	+1.09%

Volatility

PPH vs. XPH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is 6.23%, while SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) has a volatility of 7.24%. This indicates that PPH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XPH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPH	XPH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	7.24%	-1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.97%	17.37%	-4.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.24%	22.49%	-4.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.31%	21.10%	-5.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	22.10%	-5.10%

PPH vs. XPH - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPH has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than XPH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPH vs. XPH - Dividend Comparison

PPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, more than XPH's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	2.00%	1.78%	1.98%	2.09%	1.55%	1.62%	1.66%	1.77%	1.97%	1.92%	2.43%	1.93%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.50%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPH and XPH in my portfolio?

PPH and XPH have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PPH or XPH?

XPH has higher volatility (7.24%) compared to PPH (6.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPH dropped -51.45% vs XPH's -48.03%.

Which ETF is better, PPH or XPH?

On 10-year performance, PPH leads with 8.08% vs 5.22% for XPH. On fees, XPH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, PPH has been the lower-risk option at 6.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPH or XPH?

Over the 10-year period, PPH has performed better with a 8.08% return vs 5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPH or XPH?

XPH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for PPH.

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

PPH has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.50% for XPH.

What is the main difference between PPH and XPH?

PPH tracks MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index, while XPH tracks S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for PPH and 0.35% for XPH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 1.43), 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.