The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of companies in the global healthcare sector. The ETF is managed by BlackRock through its iShares platform and trades under the ticker IXJ on the NYSE Arca.

Classified as a global sector equity ETF, the fund invests in large- and mid-cap companies operating in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare services, and life sciences. Its strategy provides investors with diversified exposure to one of the world's most important economic sectors.

The ETF follows a passive management approach and seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare Sector Index, which consists of healthcare companies from developed markets.

Diversification and sector exposure

IXJ provides exposure primarily associated with:

• Healthcare.

• Pharmaceuticals.

• Biotechnology.

• Medical devices.

• Healthcare services.

• Life sciences.

• Medical technology.

• Developed markets.

The portfolio includes companies from multiple countries, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, medical device companies, and businesses developing technologies for the healthcare industry.

The ETF's performance generally reflects the growth of the global healthcare industry, which is supported by factors such as aging populations, technological innovation, and increasing demand for medical services.

Structure and costs

IXJ shares trade on the secondary market on the NYSE Arca during regular trading hours. Share creation and redemption occur through authorized participants, a mechanism intended to help align the ETF's market price with its net asset value (NAV).

The fund charges a management fee as outlined in its prospectus and does not apply a performance fee. Dividends received from portfolio holdings may be distributed periodically to shareholders according to the fund's distribution policy.

History and evolution of the ETF

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF was launched in 2001 to provide investors with diversified exposure to the global healthcare industry through an exchange-traded investment vehicle.

Since inception, the fund has tracked the growth of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies, reflecting the continued expansion of demand for healthcare products, treatments, and technologies.

In recent years, advances in biotechnology, precision medicine, artificial intelligence in healthcare, the development of new therapies, and the aging of the global population have continued to drive the performance of the companies represented in the ETF's portfolio.

Additional Information

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (United States) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with assets under management totaling $4.13 billion.

Over the past 12 months, iShares Global Healthcare ETF recorded a return of 19.98%, with its price trading between $82.73 and $102.85 during the same period.

The ETF is traded under the ticker IXJ.