The VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:PPH) provides targeted exposure to drug manufacturers, while the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (NYSEMKT:IXJ) offers a broader reach across the international medical industry including biotechnology and equipment.
Investors looking for healthcare exposure often choose between niche industry funds and broad sector trackers
This comparison looks at how PPH targets the pharmaceutical sub-sector versus how IXJ captures a wider array of medical companies across global markets. Snapshot (cost & size) The VanEck fund is slightly more affordable with a 0.36% expense ratio compared to 0.40% for the iShares fund. Additionally, the VanEck fund provided a higher payout over the last year, yielding 2.10% compared to 1.50% for IXJ.
Performance & risk comparison What’s inside The iShares Global Healthcare ETF offers broad sector coverage, with healthcare at 99%. It holds 114 positions and was launched in 2001. Its largest positions include Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) at 10.50%, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) at 7.19%, and Abbvie (NYSE:ABBV) at 4.88%.