XT vs. IXJ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XT (iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF) and IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net), while IXJ is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Health Care (Sector) Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XT returned 15.21%/yr vs 8.39%/yr for IXJ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XT charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for IXJ.

Performance

XT vs. IXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) and iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XT achieves a 19.11% return, which is significantly higher than IXJ's -3.17% return. Over the past 10 years, XT has outperformed IXJ with an annualized return of 15.21%, while IXJ has yielded a comparatively lower 8.39% annualized return.

XT

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 19.11%
• 6M: 18.09%
• 1Y: 43.47%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

IXJ

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: -3.17%
• 6M: -3.06%
• 1Y: 12.38%
• 3Y*: 4.93%
• 5Y*: 3.99%
• 10Y*: 8.39%

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

XT vs. IXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	19.11%	26.28%	0.29%	27.02%	-27.83%	16.43%	35.10%	30.74%	-4.93%	33.71%
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	-3.17%	14.99%	0.55%	3.62%	-4.94%	19.60%	12.74%	23.23%	2.83%	20.44%

Correlation

The correlation between XT and IXJ is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2015	0.69

Over the past year, the correlation between XT and IXJ has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.69, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XT vs. IXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XT	IXJ
Technology	46.7%	-
Healthcare	24.1%	98.5%
Industrials	7.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	-
Utilities	4.9%	-
Communication Services	4.1%	-
Financial Services	3.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	-
Energy	0.4%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	0.5%

Return for Risk

XT vs. IXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XT

XT Risk / Return Rank: 81
XT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
XT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
XT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
XT Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XT Martin Ratio Rank: 84

IXJ

IXJ Risk / Return Rank: 24
IXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
IXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 23
IXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

XT vs. IXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) and iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ). 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.

	XT	IXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	0.84	+1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	1.37	+1.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.15	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.18	1.15	+3.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.72	2.73	+13.99

XT vs. IXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XT Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is higher than the IXJ Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XT and IXJ, 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

XT vs. IXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XT drawdown since its inception was -34.41%, smaller than the maximum IXJ drawdown of -40.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XT and IXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XT	IXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.41%	-40.60%	+6.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.45%	-10.78%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.09%	-18.14%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-18.14%	-16.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.41%	-27.35%	-7.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-7.28%	+5.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.39%	-6.92%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	4.54%	-1.93%

Volatility

XT vs. IXJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) has a higher volatility of 7.54% compared to iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) at 4.90%. This indicates that XT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XT	IXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.54%	4.90%	+2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.49%	10.39%	+3.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.10%	14.83%	+2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.96%	14.27%	+6.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.17%	15.71%	+4.46%

XT vs. IXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

XT has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than IXJ's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

XT vs. IXJ - Dividend Comparison

XT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.88%, more than IXJ's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXJ iShares Global Healthcare ETF	1.54%	1.40%	1.50%	1.38%	1.17%	1.12%	1.27%	1.42%	2.11%	1.46%	1.73%	2.85%
XT iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF	6.88%	7.95%	0.66%	0.41%	0.78%	0.84%	0.77%	1.55%	1.40%	0.97%	1.37%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XT and IXJ in my portfolio?

XT and IXJ have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XT or IXJ?

XT has higher volatility (7.54%) compared to IXJ (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XT dropped -34.41% vs IXJ's -40.60%.

Which ETF is better, XT or IXJ?

On 10-year performance, XT leads with 15.21% vs 8.39% for IXJ. On fees, IXJ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, IXJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XT or IXJ?

Over the 10-year period, XT has performed better with a 15.21% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XT or IXJ?

IXJ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for XT.

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

XT has the higher dividend yield at 6.88%, compared with 1.54% for IXJ.

What is the main difference between XT and IXJ?

XT is categorized as Technology Equities, while IXJ is Health & Biotech Equities. XT tracks Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index (Net), while IXJ tracks S&P Global 1200 Health Care (Sector) Capped Index. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for XT and 0.40% for IXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 0.84), 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.