iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF (ARCA: IHF)

에 대한 최신 뉴스 iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF (ARCA:IHF)

iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF

Healthcare

Financial Services

Consumer Defensive

The fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the underlying index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the underlying index. The underlying index measures the performance of the healthcare providers sector of the U.S. equity market. The fund may invest the remainder of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents. It is non-diversified.

Unitedhealth Group Inc

Elevance Health Inc

Cigna Corp.

Centene Corp.

H C A Healthcare Inc.

Humana Inc.

Veeva Systems Inc Com Usd.00001 Cl A

Cvs Health Corp.

Molina Healthcare Inc

Laboratory Crp Of Amer Hl

iShares US Health Care Providers ETF

Biotech

Equities

Large Cap

Market Summary

Mid Cap

REIT

Sector ETFs

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Specialty ETFs

Health Care

Commodities

Small Cap

Econ #s

Federal Reserve

Markets

Tech

ETFs

Real Estate

AAUKF

COPX

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

FILL

iShares Dow Jones US Broker Dealers Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Insurance Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Regional Banks Index Fund

iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF

IDGT

iShares Dow Jones US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Oil Equipment & Services Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Health Care Provides Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Medical Devices Index Fund

ILIT

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Homenstruction Index Fund

iShares Trust Dow Jones US Financial Services Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average Index Fund

PAAS

PICK

iShares FTSE NAREIT Mortgage PLUS Capped Index Fund

iShares FTSE NAREIT Residential PLUS Capped Index Fund

RING

SLVP

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

XLRE

Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

4월을 마무리하면서, 이번달에 가장 성과가 뛰어난 섹터와 산업 교환 펀드들을 순위화 할 시간이다.



주가를 더 넓은 시각에서 보면, S&amp;P 500 지수는 SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF 트러스트(NYSE:SPY)로 표현되는 4월에 약 3% 하락하여 4월을 마감했다. 이로써 지난 5개월간 상승 기간이 끝난 셈이다.  



유사하게 Invesco QQQ

월가에 소나기 내린 4월: 우울한 시장에 광업 및 유틸리티 부문이 상승하며 부상

Invictus Hyperion Fund

According to a report, U.S. healthcare spending grew by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023. The increase was fueled by higher enrollment in private health plans and expanded use of medical services, driven by legislative changes and post-pandemic rebounds in care utilization.
Healthcare spending accounted for 17.6% of the U.S. economy, outpacing GDP growth of 2.9%. Spending on retail prescription drugs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01375" rel="noreferrer noopener">saw</a> the most significant rise, jumping 11.4% to $449.7 billion.
The report attributed this to increased use of medications for obesity and diabetes.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41866438/donald-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-us-healthcare-system-with-major-impacts-on-affordable-care-act-and-medicare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Term Could Reshape US Healthcare System, With Major Impacts on Affordable Care Act And Medicare</a>
The rapid growth in spending for drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity contributed to faster overall growth in retail prescription drug expenditures and private health insurance and Medicare spending growth.
Hospital care spending rose 10.4% to $1.5 trillion in 2023, marking the fastest growth since 1990. Hospital discharges increased by 1.6%, with Medicare beneficiaries driving higher outpatient service utilization.
Spending on physician and clinical services also climbed by 7.4% to $978 billion, with private insurance and Medicare patients contributing to this rise.
Enrollment in private health insurance grew by 1.6%, adding 3.3 million Americans.
Private insurance spending surged by 11.5%, reaching $1.5 trillion and accounting for 30% of national healthcare expenditures.
Medicare spending grew 8.1% to $1 trillion, representing 21% of total healthcare spending. Medicaid spending, however, grew more slowly at 7.9%, reflecting the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The report also revealed that 92.5% of Americans had health insurance in 2023, up from 92.0% in 2022, underscoring the broader coverage expansion in recent years.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42599673/amazon-has-20000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">Amazon Has 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans In Fleet: Here&#8217;s What Could Be Next For Both Companies</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by MargJohnsonVA via Shutterstock

Government

News

General

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

iShares Trust Dow Jones US Healthcare Sector Index Fund

Your Healthcare Costs are Soaring! US Spending Reached $5 Trillion In 2023 with Major Increase in Obesity and Diabetes Drugs, Hospital Services

Billionaire entrepreneur and &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; host Mark Cuban has offered his services to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/department-of-government-efficiency">Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)</a> in a bid to cut federal healthcare costs.
What Happened: On Wednesday, Cuban responded to a user on X, formerly Twitter, who asked if his company, Cost Plus Drugs, could be integrated into government healthcare programs to help cut costs.
In response to the user, Cuban said "Both know how to reach me," referring to Musk and Ramaswamy.
The user's request was about DOGE, an agency led by Musk and Ramaswamy, which aims to drive cost-saving reforms within the federal bureaucracy.
Musk and Ramaswamy, through DOGE, are focused on achieving large-scale reforms within government agencies
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42193386/mark-cuban-shared-600-a-month-dallas-apartment-with-5-guys-and-slept-on-the-living-room-floor-i-had-nothing-so-i-had-nothing-to-lose">Mark Cuban Shared $600 A Month Dallas Apartment With 5 Guys And Slept On The Living Room Floor</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Both know how to reach me. <a href="https://t.co/Jl9gYpZAYs">https://t.co/Jl9gYpZAYs</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1861524965750661386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: With healthcare costs continuing to rise, especially prescription drug prices, there is growing interest in alternatives to the traditional pharmaceutical distribution system.
Cuban's pharma company, launched in 2022, was founded to reduce the cost of prescription drugs by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30672271/mark-cuban-aims-to-disrupt-a-365-billion-industry-with-the-only-startup-that-bears-his-name">cutting out intermediaries</a> in the pharmaceutical supply chain. 
The company's transparent pricing model provides consumers with generic medications at a much lower cost than traditional methods.
If DOGE partners with Cuban's company, it could potentially bring these cost-saving measures to federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Last year in June, a social media user questioned Cuban why his company, Cost Plus Drugs, doesn't offer Ivermectin, citing a stark price disparity between Africa and the U.S. 
At the time, Musk chimed in saying, "Good question," to which Cuban responded, explaining that his company couldn't secure a competitive price for Ivermectin but offered Hydroxychloroquine as an alternative.
He also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36231355/mark-cubans-cost-plus-drugs-gets-medication-elon-musk-asked-about-6-months-ago-still-ready-to-save-t">suggested Musk explore Cost Plus Drugs</a> to save his employees and companies significant money.
Six months later, Cuban updated Musk, announcing that Ivermectin was now available on Cost Plus Drugs, reiterating the potential savings for Tesla Inc., SpaceX, and X employees, and inviting Musk's team to reach out for collaboration.
For anyone hoping to invest in a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36836747/mark-cuban-talks-elon-musk-dei-health-care-investments-buying-twitter-and-more-in-an-x-ama">future IPO of Cost Plus Drug Company</a>, Cuban earlier this year stated that it's &#8220;Not going to happen. Maximizing profits is not our goal.&#8221;
According <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/prescription-drugs-market-102709">to</a> Fortune Business Insights, in 2023, the global prescription drug market&#8217;s value reached approximately $1,162.61 billion, with North America contributing a significant share, estimated at $576.35 billion.
The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>) ended Wednesday&#8217;s session up by 0.24% at $54.40. Year-to-date, it has gained 1.8%, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/42169194/joby-gets-toyotas-500m-dollar-lift-evtol-pioneer-making-new-highs?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joby Gets Toyota's $500M Dollar Lift: eVTOL Pioneer Making New Highs</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Will Mark Cuban Join Rivals Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy's DOGE? 'Shark Tank' Host Says 'Both Know How To Reach Me'

Healthcare investors are expecting Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/06/39499483/what-analysts-are-saying-about-cigna-group-stock">to ease regulations</a> on Medicare Advantage if the former president wins and returns to the White House.
Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has hardened its stance on the program after it faced criticism for insurers overbilling the government and denying care to seniors too many times, the Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/would-trump-ease-up-on-medicare-wall-street-thinks-so-6e9ac0c0?mod=lead_feature_below_a_pos1">reported</a>.
Republicans tend to favor privatizing government services and have been friendlier to Medicare Advantage plans, a trend that investors are betting could continue under a second Trump administration.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39814804/unitedhealth-analysts-boost-their-forecasts-following-upbeat-earnings">UnitedHealth Analysts Boost Their Forecasts Following Upbeat Earnings</a>
Regulatory easing on Medicare Advantage could also rekindle talks on possible mergers between health insurers. The Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) and Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) have discussed merging, but they backed away from the deal over antitrust issues and worries over Medicare, the Journal reported in November.
Price Action: The health insurance sector gave mixed results on Wall Street. United Healthcare Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) gained 4.44% to $573.28, while Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) dropped 5.95% to $520.21 and Cigna rose 1.49% to $344.76 on Wednesday.
Exchange-traded funds that hold health insurer stocks, however, trended upward.
<ul>
<li>iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>) edged up 0.11%</li>
<li>The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) went up 0.45% </li>
<li>Global X Dow 30 Covered Call &amp; Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DYLG#NYSE">DYLG</a>) inched up 0.25%</li>
<li>SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) gained 0.55%</li>
<li> iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYH#NYSE">IYH</a>) ticked up 0.33%.</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/07/39780960/what-analysts-are-saying-about-humana-stock">What Analysts Are Saying About Humana Stock</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

DYLG

Healthcare Investors Bet On Easier Medicare Rules Under Potential Trump Administration

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>), the largest U.S. health insurer, reported better-than-expected second-quarter 2024 results as it breezed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both earnings and revenues. UNH shares climbed 6.5% on the day following the results.
Investors can tap the opportunity by investing in ETFs having the largest allocation to this health insurance giant. These include iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (ARCA:IHF), Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (ARCA:XLV), iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (ARCA:IYH), Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (ARCA:FHLC) and SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF.
<h3>Earnings in Focus</h3>
Earnings per share came in at $6.80, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.65 and increasing 10.7% from the year-ago quarter. Revenues grew 6.4% year over year to $98.9 billion and were above the estimated $98.7 billion. The solid results were powered by strong growth in Optum health care unit.
Optum revenues increased 11.7% to $62.9 billion, driven by the higher number of patients at Optum Health and the increased number of customers using the Optum Rx pharmacy service. UnitedHealthcare revenues rose 5.3% year over year to $73.9 billion, reflecting growth in the number of people served domestically.
Medical ratio (a measure of the percentage of premiums paid out for medical services) deteriorated 190 basis points year over year to 85.1% but came in higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84.4%.
The health insurer affirmed its 2024 earnings per share guidance in the range of $27.50-$28.00, indicating 10.5% year-over-year growth at the mid-point. Notably, UnitedHealth is among the largest players in the Medicare Advantage market, where private insurers offer an alternative to the original Medicare &mdash; the federal government&#39;s health insurance plan for people aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities.
<h3>ETFs in Focus</h3>
Let&#39;s delve into each ETF below:
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF follows the Dow Jones U.S. Select Healthcare Providers Index with exposure to companies that provide health insurance, diagnostics and specialized treatment. The fund holds 66 securities in its basket. UNH occupies the top position with a 23.8% share.
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF has amassed $752.3 million in its asset base, while volume is light at about 76,000 shares per day, on average. It charges 40 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund is the most popular healthcare ETF and follows the Health Care Select Sector Index. It holds 63 securities in its basket, with UnitedHealth taking the second spot at 9.1% of the assets. Pharma, healthcare providers &amp; services, and healthcare equipment &amp; supplies take the largest share at 32.5%, 21.2% and 19.7%, respectively, from a sector look.
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund has AUM of $40.3 billion in its asset base and trades in a heavy volume of around 6 million shares. The expense ratio comes in at 0.09%. XLV has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF offers exposure to 107 U.S. healthcare equipment and services, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology companies by tracking the Russell 1000 Health Care RIC 22.5/45 Capped Gross Index. Here again, UnitedHealth is the second firm, accounting for 8.8% of the total assets. In terms of industrial exposure, pharma takes the top spot at 32.9%, followed by healthcare equipment (18.9%) and biotech (18.2%).
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF has amassed $3.3 billion in its asset base while charging 40 bps in annual fees. It trades in a good volume of around 205,000 shares a day and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook.
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF provides exposure to 369 healthcare stocks and tracks the MSCI USA IMI Health Care Index. UnitedHealth occupies the second position with 7.6% of the assets. Pharma accounts for 29.5% share while healthcare providers and services, healthcare equipment and supplies, and biotech round off the top three spots with double-digit exposure each.
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF has AUM of $3 billion. Its expense ratio is 0.08%, while volume is good at 119,000 shares a day. FHLC has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook.
SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF
SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF is one of the largest and most popular ETFs in the large-cap space, with AUM of $34.3 billion and an average daily volume of 3 million shares. It tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, holding 30 stocks in its basket. UNH occupies the top position, accounting for an 8.8% share. Financials (23.3%), information technology (19.4%), healthcare (18.6%), consumer discretionary (14.3%) and industrials (13.9%) are the top five sectors.
SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF charges 16 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2303715/unitedhealth-rises-on-q2-earnings-beat-etfs-to-gain?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-etf_news_and_commentary-2303715">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

FHLC

UnitedHealth Rises on Q2 Earnings Beat: ETFs to Gain

President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday to temporarily close the U.S.-Mexico border to migrants when it exceeds a certain threshold, suspending <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/immigration">long-standing asylum protections</a>.
What Happened: According <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/us/politics/biden-immigration-asylum-order.html?smid=fb-nytimes&amp;smtyp=cur">to</a> the New York Times, a Biden-signed executive order on this issue marks a significant policy shift.
News sources reported two different ranges of thresholds: The New York Times stated via sources it could be an average of 5,000 border crossings in a week, or 8,500 in a single day.
AP <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-executive-order-asylum-border-7cd0b0f28e298036ad1fc6b0c78961e1">cites</a> that the executive order &#8220;would shut down asylum requests&nbsp;to the U.S.-Mexico border once the number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry, with the border reopening once that number declines to 1,500, according to several people familiar with the discussions.&#8221; 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37061857/trump-will-be-held-accountable-every-day-between-now-and-november-for-sabotaging-border-deal-says-bi">Earlier this year</a>, former President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37049493/trump-takes-credit-for-collapse-of-bipartisan-border-deal-i-think-we-killed-it-its-dead">took credit</a> for Republican Senators voting against bipartisan border legislation, arguing that its passage would be a political win for Biden.
Since then, thousands of migrants continued to cross the border daily. 
Biden&#8217;s latest effort marks the most restrictive border policy by any modern Democrat. It&#8217;s also reminiscent of a 2018 attempt by Trump, which faced harsh criticism and legal challenges.
Biden faces immense pressure to address illegal migration, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/02/36970427/crisis-of-illegal-immigration-new-survey-shows-record-number-of-voters-cry-major-issue-but-who-g">a key voter concern</a>. Polls indicate increasing support for stricter border measures among Democrats. 
The order allows border officials to deny asylum claims and swiftly turn away migrants if crossings exceed a set threshold. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38488525/elon-musk-advocates-for-easier-and-simplified-legal-immigration-process-amid-migrant-influx">Elon Musk Advocates For &#8216;Easier And Simplified&#8217; Legal Immigration Process Amid Migrant Influx</a>
Why It Matters: Sunday reportedly saw over 3,500 migrant apprehensions at the border. 
Immigration is among the major issues concerning voters in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-presidential-election">upcoming 2024 presidential election</a>.
Republicans and Democrats both face criticism for not taking action. But when the GOP hindered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/02/36940752/migrant-legislation-to-reach-senate-vote-this-week-whats-at-stake-with-the-new-border-deal">additional border enforcement</a> this year for Trump&#8217;s sake, it marked a significant policy shift between the parties. 
For example, in 2019 Biden ran on a platform that criticized then-President Trump&#8217;s asylum policies. Biden asserted that asylum seekers should present their cases within the U.S. 
This new order demonstrates a significant departure from that stance.
ETFs To Watch: according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>, there are several exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to follow as this news unfolds. They include:
<ul>
<li>iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITB#BATS">ITB</a>)</li>
<li>iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>)</li>
<li>iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGF#NASDAQ">IGF</a>)</li>
<li>and iShares TIPS Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TIP#NYSE">TIP</a>)</li>
</ul>
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/03/37499660/jon-stewart-mocks-donald-trump-for-new-immigration-crisis-phrasing-hannibal-lecter-comparisons">Jon Stewart Mocks Donald Trump For New Immigration Crisis Phrasing, Hannibal Lecter Comparisons</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>. Benzinga editors reviewed and published the article.
Photo: Shutterstock

Latin America

Regulations

iShares S&P Global Infrastructure Index Fund

Biden To Sign Executive Order To Limit Asylum Seekers Crossing US-Mexico Border: Report

As April comes to a close, it&#8217;s time to compile the rankings for the top-performing sector and industry exchange-traded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">funds of the month.</a>
Taking a broader look at the stock market, the S&amp;P 500 Index, represented by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), finished April on a downturn, declining by approximately 3%. This marks the end of a five-month streak of gains.
Similarly, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), experienced a 3.5% decline.
Among large-cap indices, blue-chip stocks showed slight underperformance, with the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) slipping by 4.5%.
Small-cap stocks, represented by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>), plummeted by over 6%, marking their worst performance since October 2023.
Overall, it has been a challenging month for the stock market, primarily due to inflation surprises surpassing expectations. This has led to a recalibration of market expectations regarding potential Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Additionally, complex global geopolitical tensions have emerged, notably between Israel and Iran, alongside the ongoing issue in the Gaza Strip.
May is anticipated to start with a crucial event as investors await the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/macro-notification/24/04/38526201/is-hawkish-shift-on-inflation-imminent-wall-street-analysts-traders-brace-for-fed-impa">(FOMC) meeting on Wednesday. </a>
While no interest rate changes are expected, all eyes will be on Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s remarks to assess the Fed&#8217;s stance in response to recent inflation surprises.
Read also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/macro-notification/24/04/38491988/federal-reserve-meeting-preview-high-interest-rates-need-more-time-to-work-bank-of-ame">Federal Reserve Meeting Preview: High Interest Rates &#8216;Need More Time To Work,&#8217; Bank of America Says</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Performance Of Sector ETFs In April 2024</h2>
At the sector level, only the utilities sector managed to avoid losses for the month, rising by 2.1%.
The largest stock contributors to the utilities&#8217; performance in April are NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>), The Southern Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SO#NYSE">SO</a>), Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/D#NYSE">D</a>) and NRG Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NRG#NYSE">NRG</a>) which showed monthly gains between 4% and 8%. 
Energy stocks remained broadly stable, while the other nine S&amp;P 500&#8217;s sectors showcased losses.
Real estate experienced the worst performance, down by over 7%, dragged down by its high sensitivity to interest rates, as Treasury yields increase across the board during the month. 
Following real estate, the technology and healthcare sectors also showed poor performance in April.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">April&#8217;s Best And Worst Sector ETFs: Utilities Lead, Real Estate Lags</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>April 2024 performance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>)</td>
<td>2.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>)</td>
<td>0.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consumer Staples&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>)</td>
<td>-1.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Industrials&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLI#NYSE">XLI</a>)</td>
<td>-3.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consumer Discretionary&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>)</td>
<td>-3.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>)</td>
<td>-3.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Materials&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>)</td>
<td>-4.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>)</td>
<td>-4.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>)</td>
<td>-4.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health Care&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>)</td>
<td>-4.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Real Estate&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>)</td>
<td>-7.83%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data as of Apr. 30, 2024 2:50 p.m. EDT</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Performance Of Industry ETFs In April 2024</h2>
Based on the industry ETF list provided by BlackRock Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) iShares, only five out of the 25 industries managed to report gains in April. Among them, miners did well across the board, with silver, copper, and gold mining stocks reporting robust gains. 
Standout contributors to the mining industry&#8217;s outperformance in April were Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAAS#NYSE">PAAS</a>), up over 20%, Newmont Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>), up 14%, Anglo American plc (OTCPK: AAUKF), up over 40%
Energy producers also managed to end the month in the green.
On the bottom side of the industry rankings, homebuilders, transportation, biotech stocks, digital infrastructure and real estate all report losses between 7% and 9.6% in April.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>ETF Name</th>
<th>Performance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLVP#NYSE">SLVP</a>)</td>
<td>12.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>)</td>
<td>9.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RING#NYSE">RING</a>)</td>
<td>5.93%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Global Metals &amp; Mining Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PICK#NYSE">PICK</a>)</td>
<td>2.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Global Energy Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FILL#NYSE">FILL</a>)</td>
<td>2.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>)</td>
<td>-1.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Oil &amp; Gas Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEO#NYSE">IEO</a>)</td>
<td>-1.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REZ#NYSE">REZ</a>)</td>
<td>-1.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILIT#NYSE">ILIT</a>)</td>
<td>-3.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers &amp; Securities Exchange ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAI#NYSE">IAI</a>)</td>
<td>-3.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYG#NYSE">IYG</a>)</td>
<td>-3.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGM#NYSE">IGM</a>)</td>
<td>-4.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NYSE">SOXX</a>)</td>
<td>-4.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>)</td>
<td>-4.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAK#NYSE">IAK</a>)</td>
<td>-4.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAT#NYSE">IAT</a>)</td>
<td>-5.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>)</td>
<td>-5.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Oil Equipment &amp; Services ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEZ#NYSE">IEZ</a>)</td>
<td>-5.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REM#NYSE">REM</a>)</td>
<td>-5.57%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHI#NYSE">IHI</a>)</td>
<td>-5.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Global Timber &amp; Forestry ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOOD#NYSE">WOOD</a>)</td>
<td>-6.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGV#NYSE">IGV</a>)</td>
<td>-6.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IDGT#NYSE">IDGT</a>)</td>
<td>-7.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Biotechnology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBB#NYSE">IBB</a>)</td>
<td>-7.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Transportation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYT#NYSE">IYT</a>)</td>
<td>-8.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITB#NYSE">ITB</a>)</td>
<td>-9.60%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data as of Apr. 30, 2024 3:15 p.m. EDT</figcaption></figure>
Now read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38497224/ai-data-centers-drive-electricity-demand-goldman-sachs-picks-16-stocks-to-play-the-">AI Data Centers Drive Electricity Demand: Goldman Sachs Picks 16 Stocks To Play The Trend</a>
Image generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

iShares S&P Global Timber & Forestry Index Fund

WOOD

April Showers On Wall Street:  Miners, Utilities Emerge As Bright Spots In Gloomy Market

Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35926664/mark-cuban-challenges-elon-musk-on-twitter-ad-efficacy-thats-the-real-world-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal critic of Elon Musk&#8216;s management</a> of the social-media platform X, responded to Musk&#8217;s inquiry about the anti-parasitic treatment, ivermectin.
What happened:&nbsp;A user on the X platform with the handle @MdBreathe questioned Cuban in June about why his Cost Plus Drugs company doesn&#8217;t offer ivermectin, highlighting the stark pricing difference between Africa and the U.S. &#8220;Why does your company not offer ivermectin? Ivermectin costs $0.02 per pill in Africa, 100x mark-up in America,&#8221; the user pointed out.
Cuban&#8217;s Cost Plus Drugs company, a public benefit corporation in Dallas, Texas, provides generic drugs at lower prices by eliminating middlemen and using a cost-plus pricing strategy.
Musk interjected, responding to the June post, &#8220;Good question.&#8221;&nbsp;
In his reply, Cuban explained that his company couldn&#8217;t secure a better price than other available sources but offered Hydroxychloroquine instead, a product his company sells.
Cuban also suggested Musk have his employees use Cost Plus Drugs, stating, &#8220;It will save them and @twitter a f&#x2A;&#x2A;kton of money.&#8221;
See Also:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Best Healthcare Stocks Right Now</a>
Walks The Talk?&nbsp;About six months later, Cuban updated Musk, sharing a link to purchase Ivermectin on Cost Plus Drugs&#8217; website. He mentioned, &#8220;Wanted to let you know we got the med you were asking about.&#8221;
&#8220;And still available to save @Tesla, @SpaceX, and @X a f&#x2A;&#x2A;ton of money, just like we have for probably tens of thousands of @X users,&#8221; he said, adding, &#8220;Just have someone reach out to me.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> , wanted to let you know we got the med you were asking about. And still available to save <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/X?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@X</a> a fuckton of money, just like we have for probably tens of thousands of <a href="https://twitter.com/X?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@X</a> users. Just have someone reach out to me. <a href="https://t.co/B6mbAqlzDY">https://t.co/B6mbAqlzDY</a> <a href="https://t.co/saBWB0Kded">https://t.co/saBWB0Kded</a> <a href="https://t.co/Eurmrpwc7j">pic.twitter.com/Eurmrpwc7j</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1735098208513073305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Ashley St. Clair&nbsp;from&nbsp;Babylon Bee&nbsp;commented on Cuban&#8217;s post, expressing appreciation and suggesting a lighthearted interview. Ivermectin&#8217;s pricing on the Cost Plug Drugs website showed $91.40 for 30 tablets, roughly $3.04 per pill. Comparatively, WebMDRx lists the average cost for 30 tablets of 3mg Stromectol (a branded version of ivermectin) at $188.44 or $6.28 per pill, with a discounted price of $106.85 using the WebMDRx coupon.
The public has raised concerns about drug companies overcharging, alleging that pharmaceutical companies aggressively lobby against legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs.
The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>) ended Wednesday&#8217;s session up 1.32% at $265.01, according to<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag"> Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35988212/mark-cuban-to-exit-shark-tank-reflects-on-his-worst-deal-and-surprise-success-shared-with-benzinga">Mark Cuban To Exit Shark Tank: Reflects On His Worst Deal And Surprise Success Shared With Benzinga</a>
Photo: Courtesy of Gage Skidmore on Flickr

Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs Gets Medication Elon Musk Asked About 6 Months Ago: 'Still Ready To Save Tesla, SpaceX And X a F**kton of Money'

Millions of Americans are being kicked off of Medicaid, in a move that could impact the success of the Democratic party in the upcoming presidential election.
In the last three months, almost 4 million Americans lost their Medicaid coverage as the program's continuous enrollment provisions came to an end with the official culmination of the COVID-19 national emergency.
Up until April 1, 2023, states were banned from disenrolling patients from the Medicaid program, as a measure taken by the federal government to maintain high levels of healthcare coverage at the peak of the pandemic. This provision came in exchange for enhanced federal funding, <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-the-unwinding-of-the-medicaid-continuous-enrollment-provision/#:~:text=This%20provision%20requires%20states%20to,preserve%20coverage%20during%20the%20pandemic.">according</a> to KFF.
The measure of continuous enrollment incentivized more people to join the program, leading to historically high levels of an insured population. Enrollment in Medicaid grew by 23.3 million to nearly 95 million throughout the duration of the pandemic, from February 2020 to the end of March 2023.
The number of people being removed from Medicaid is expected to continue growing. Approximately 15 million people are expected to lose access to the program after dropping the continuous enrollment provisions, according to an official report by the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation.
A separate analysis by KFF puts that number at between 8 and 24 million people in the 12-month period following the policy roll-back.
Disenrollment data is incomplete, as only 42 states and the District of Columbia are currently reporting on the subject. In the states that do report, an added 38% of people with a completed renewal were taken off the program.&nbsp;
Most of the people disenrolled (75%) had their coverage revoked because they did not complete their renewal forms, which is blamed on a lack of clear public messaging from the states, <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/">reported</a> KFF.
Texas and Florida are the states with the highest numbers of people disenrolled, reaching 501,000 and 408,000, respectively. They're followed by California, Arkansas, Ohio and Arizona, all of which surpassed 200,000 disenrollments.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Disenrollments Could Impact The 2024 Election</h3>
Strong healthcare readings are one of the key elements in Joe Biden's argument for reelection. The president and the Democrat party take pride in the measures taken to expand access to affordable healthcare coverage for low-income residents.
"The rate of Americans without health insurance is at an all-time low," said Biden in a speech last month.
"Premiums for coverage under the Affordable Care Act are $800 less per person than before I took office. And that's Bidenomics," he said.
Losing Medicaid coverage has been linked in the past to reduced voter turnout, according to Jamila Michener, co-director of the Cornell Center for Health Equity.
The academic, who focuses on studying the impacts of the Medicaid program, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/09/bidens-health-care-wins-undone-medicaid-00110389">told</a> Politico that&nbsp;"in places where the unwinding has been associated with disenrollment and with the negative experiences with Medicaid, we are more likely to see that translated into negative electoral consequences."&nbsp;
Expanding healthcare access to low-income individuals has been a Democrat effort for the most part, which is why GOP politicians have been notoriously silent on the subject, according to a recent <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4142280-why-gop-hopefuls-arent-talking-about-health-care-costs/">report</a> by The Hill.
Part of the reasoning is that healthcare is not an issue that matters in the agenda of primary GOP voters, so Republican politicians have nothing to gain from discussing the issue at this point in the campaign.
For Democrats, whose nomination of Biden for the presidential election is more universally accepted than the GOP's fragmented front, losing wins in the healthcare front could mean a loss of potential voters.
While so far the most affected populations losing Medicaid are located in historically red states, such as Texas and Florida, the disenrollments are being pushed by bipartisan state administrations, which include California, New York and Washington state among the top 10 states rolling back on Medicaid members.
Market Impact:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Shares of UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), one of the country's largest insurers, is down 0.2% on Wednesday but up over 9% in the past month.</li>
<li>Competitor Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), previously known as Anthem, is flat on Wednesday at the time of writing but is adding over 7% in gains in the past month.</li>
<li>CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), which makes one-quarter of its revenues from healthcare subsidiary Aetna, is up 1.4% on Wednesday and more than 8% in the month.</li>
<li>iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>), which provides coverage of the healthcare industry, is down 0.3% on Wednesday but up 3.5% monthly.</li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

4 Million People Lost Medicaid In 3 Months, Will Reach 15 Million Before The Election — How Is This Affecting Biden's Presidential Bid?

Looking for broad exposure to the Healthcare - Healthcare - Providers segment of the equity market? You should consider the iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (ETF:IHF), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 05/01/2006.
Retail and institutional investors increasingly turn to passively managed ETFs because they offer low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency; these kind of funds are also excellent vehicles for long term investors.
Investor-friendly, sector ETFs provide many options to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Healthcare - Healthcare - Providers is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 8, placing it in top 50%.
Index Details
The fund is sponsored by Blackrock. It has amassed assets over $1.01 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Healthcare - Healthcare - Providers segment of the equity market. IHF seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select HealthCare Providers Index before fees and expenses.
The Dow Jones U.S. Select HealthCare Providers Index is free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index. It measures the performance of the health care providers sub-sector of the U.S. equity market. It includes health maintenance organizations, hospitals, clinics, dentists, opticians, nursing homes rehabilitation &amp; retirement centres.
Costs
Expense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive counterparts, other things remaining the same.
Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.39%, making it one of the cheaper products in the space.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.75%.
Sector Exposure And Top Holdings
It is important to delve into an ETF&#39;s holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Healthcare sector--about 100% of the portfolio.
Looking at individual holdings, Unitedhealth Group Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>) accounts for about 23.42% of total assets, followed by Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:&nbsp;ELV) and CVS Health Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvs#NYSE">CVS</a>).
The top 10 holdings account for about 74.33% of total assets under management.
Performance And Risk
The ETF has lost about -0.92% and is down about -0.73% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 07/24/2023), respectively. IHF has traded between $241.82 and $286.75 during this last 52-week period.
The ETF has a beta of 0.81 and standard deviation of 18.65% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 69 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.
Alternatives
IShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF sports a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. IHF, then, is not a great choice for investors seeking exposure to the Health Care ETFs segment of the market. Instead, there are better ETFs in the space to consider.

Should You Invest In The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF)?

The World Health Organization said that it&#39;s&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.who.int/news/item/07-12-2021-who-recommends-against-the-use-of-convalescent-plasma-to-treat-covid-19" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">not recommending the use of convalescent plasma</a>&nbsp;as a treatment for COVID-19 for mild or severe cases. The treatment uses blood from those who have recovered from COVID-19 since they have antibodies from natural infection. Antibodies and plasma are separated from blood cells and introduced into the patient&#39;s body.
<ul>
<li>&quot;Despite its initial promise, current evidence shows that it does not improve survival nor reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, and it is costly and time-consuming to administer,&quot; WHO noted.</li>
<li>Related Link:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/21/08/22572142/does-convalescent-plasma-therapy-help-in-covid-19-recovery-nih-study-says-it-does-not" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">Does Convalescent Plasma Therapy Help In COVID-19 Recovery? NIH Study Says &#39;It Does Not&#39;</a></li>
<li>The organization said that there was sufficient uncertainty in patients with severe and critical illnesses to warrant the continuation of randomized controlled trials.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The recommendation was based on findings from 16 trials involving 16,236 patients with non-severe, severe, and critical infections.&nbsp;</li>
<li>WHO also listed&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350177/WHO-2019-nCoV-therapeutics-2021.4-eng.pdf" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">several logistical concerns</a>&nbsp;surrounding this line of treatment.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The process of identifying and testing potential donors, collecting, storing, and administering plasma therapy is not entirely practical and causes feasibility issues, according to the agency.</li>
<li>Also See:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/21/03/19977949/covid-19-convalescent-plasma-study-shows-no-benefit-us-nih-stops-trial" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Study Shows No Benefit, US NIH Stops Trial</a>.</li>
<li>Photo by AhmadArdity via Pixaby</li>
</ul>

Education

iShares Trust S&P Global Healthcare Sector Index Fund

Why WHO Did Not Recommend Convalescent Plasma Therapy For COVID-19

There are going to be three key themes for the coming year, 2021, which will make some ETFs very attractive &mdash;&nbsp;something investors should keep an eye on &mdash;&nbsp;as per&nbsp;Ned Davis Research&rsquo;s Senior Portfolio Strategist Pat Tschosik.
Cannabis sector under the Democratic President-elect Joe Biden,&nbsp;the impact of Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing and distribution, and the electric vehicles segment are expected to emerge as the key themes for 2021, Tschosik said, as <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/06/using-etfs-to-play-three-likely-big-themes-for-2021green-wave-covid-recovery-biden-agenda-ned-davis-breaks-down-how-to-play-these-themes-in-2021.html">reported</a> by CNBC.
Legalized Cannabis Under Joe Biden&rsquo;s Term: Tschosik believes that with the Democratic party at the helm of affairs, cannabis stocks may witness significant tailwinds in 2021. During the elections, four states, namely New Jersey, Arizona, South Dakota, and Montana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/11/18347489/2020-ballot-results-where-is-weed-legal">legalized</a> the possession and use of marijuana.
The Ned Davis Research&rsquo;s strategist opines that furthering cannabis legalization on a nationwide level will not only be seen as a progressive agenda of the party but also generate a new model for tax collections on a state level.
The analyst recommends buying Global X Cannabis ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/potx#NASDAQ">POTX</a>), which has gained 44.76%&nbsp;since the election day, and&nbsp;iShares US Healthcare Providers ETF&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) &mdash; up&nbsp;10% in the same period, to gain exposure to the sector.
Since Nov. 3,&nbsp;Canopy Growth Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cgc#NASDAQ">CGC</a>) stock is up 39.7%, Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/acb#NYSE">ACB</a>) by 122%, and Tilray Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tlry#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) by 30%.
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine: The news of multiple successful vaccine candidates is spurring hawkish market sentiments. These sentiments are not just restricted to healthcare companies, but also other businesses like retail stores, amusement parks, cinema halls, travel, and tourism, that suffered during the lockdown.
Stocks of travel and leisure companies are set for a rebound next year and Ned Davis Research strategist believes that&nbsp;Invesco Dynamic Leisure &amp; Entertainment ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pej#NYSE">PEJ</a>) and&nbsp;US Global Jets ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jets#NYSE">JETS</a>) provide key exposure to the sector. Both the ETF&#39;s have dropped this year, with PEJ by 15% and JETS by 26%.&nbsp;
Movie theatre chain AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amc#NYSE">AMC</a>) stock is up 50% since Nov. 3 and Walt Disney Company&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dis#NYSE">DIS</a>) by 24%. Airliner United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ual#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) has risen 44% since the election day. Vacation rental booking company Airbnb Inc&nbsp;is also reportedly targeting a valuation of up to $42 billion in its upscaled IPO amid high demand.
Electric Vehicles,&nbsp;Renewable Energy Sources: Tschosik believes that the next year could be marked by a systematic growth in the electric vehicles and clean energy segment, CNBC reports. &ldquo;Clean energy momentum could continue for decades given the backing from both governments and private industry,&rdquo; as per the analyst.
The senior strategist lists two promising ETFs - the First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qcln#NASDAQ">QCLN</a>) and&nbsp;Global X Autonomous &amp; Electric Vehicles ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/driv#NASDAQ">DRIV</a>) as buys for exposure to the sector. On a year-to-date basis, QCLN has gained close to 142%&nbsp;and DRIV by approximately 51%.
EV market leader Tesla Inc&rsquo;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) stock has jumped close to 600% since the beginning of the year. The stock rallied stronger in the second half of August and then in the second half of November.
Many Chinese EV companies raised funds from IPO listings in the U.S this year. Xpeng Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xpev#NYSE">XPEV</a>), an EV company backed by Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holdings (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/baba#NYSE">BABA</a>), <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/08/17282493/alibaba-backed-ev-maker-xpeng-shoots-up-41-on-nyse-debut-after-1-5b-ipo">generated</a> $1.5 billion from the IPO in late August. Li Auto Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/li#NASDAQ">LI</a>) secured $1.1 billion from the IPO offering in July.

Analyst Color

Cannabis

Long Ideas

Travel

Restaurants

BABA

DRIV

JETS

PowerShares ETF Leisure & Entertainment Port

POTX

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund

QCLN

TLRY

TSLA

XPEV

Analyst Recommends These ETFs To Play 3 Key Themes For 2021 — EVs, Cannabis, And COVID-19 Recovery

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/20/09/17572429/ruth-bader-ginsburg-a-champion-for-women-as-supreme-court-justice-dies-at-87">passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a> is creating a stir for some health care stocks, prompting the investment community to ponder the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
The long and the short of it is, as evidenced by Monday&#39;s drubbings for some of these names, markets view Medicaid insurance providers and hospital operators as vulnerable to a possible repeal of Obamacare. The concern is relevant over the near-term because, as if 2020 couldn&#39;t get any wackier, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an Obamacare single pay mandate case a week after Election Day.
&ldquo;Prior to Ginsburg&#39;s death, the court looked likely to uphold the ACA at least along the previous voting lines (5-4), but without her vote, the path to upholding the law just got more complicated, creating the potential for the millions of Americans who gained access to insurance through the ACA to lose that coverage,&rdquo; writes <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/articles/1002091/supreme-court-shakeup-adds-complexity-for-health-care">Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback</a>.
Here are some exchange-traded funds to consider if Obamacare can withstand its latest challenge.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/09/17585368/whats-next-for-the-supreme-court-following-justice-ginsburgs-death">What&#39;s Next For The Supreme Court Following Justice Ginsburg&#39;s Death?</a>
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF)
The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (CBOE:IHF) has had its hands full on the political front for over a year.
First, it was a crop of contenders for the Democratic nomination pushing for Medicare for All, weighing on IHF components such as UnitedHealth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>).
Now, it&#39;s the specter of the Supreme Court dealing a blow to Obamacare, which would punish IHF holdings such as Centene Health (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cnc#NYSE">CNC</a>).
&ldquo;President Trump and Senate leadership appear intent on voting on a new justice before the end of the year. If that is the case, there is a chance that a 5-4 vote upholding the ACA could turn to a 5-4 vote against the law, assuming the new justice votes in line with most of the other conservative jurists,&rdquo; according to Morningstar.
Conversely, the Supreme Court has turned back stronger challenges to the ACA in the past, perhaps indicating that if that trend repeats, IHF could be poised to rally if a similar ruling is made.
SPDR S&amp;P Health Care Services ETF (XHS)
The SPDR S&amp;P Health Care Services ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xhs#NYSE">XHS</a>) has its own vulnerabilities to a potential repeal of Obamacare as highlighted by the fund&#39;s 4% decline over the past week. The fund&#39;s <a href="https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/funds/spdr-sp-health-care-services-etf-xhs">50 holdings include</a> Health Care Distributors, Health Care Facilities, Health Care Services, and Managed Health Care providers, the latter two of which could be derailed if the U.S. health care system is dramatically altered by a new look Supreme Court.
As is the case with IHF, XHS is experiencing near-term pain on speculation that a more conservative Supreme Court, assuming Trump can get his nominee onto the bench, will make a political call, not a legal call, when hearing the upcoming ACA case. That remains to be seen.
iShares Evolved U.S. Healthcare Staples ETF (IEHS)
The good news with the iShares Evolved U.S. Healthcare Staples ETF (CBOE: IEHS) is twofold. First, it&#39;s a diversified health care ETF, so it&#39;s not excessively allocated to insurance and managed care providers. Second, it&#39;s actively managed, so it could potentially more responsive to changes in the health care legal and political landscapes than the other ETFs highlighted here. Those benefits are reflected in IEHS&#39;s modest year-to-date gain while IHF is in the red.

3 Health Care ETFs For A New Look Supreme Court

Second-quarter earnings seasons rolls along this week and here&#39;s to hoping there are some pleasant surprises, which, believe it or not, there have been plenty of. Of course, the second-quarter bar is set remarkably low because of the coronavirus pandemic, but upside surprises are rarely a bad thing.
Currently, 84% of S&amp;P 500 members reporting results are beating estimates, above the five-year average.
&ldquo;If 84% is the final percentage for the quarter, it will mark the highest percentage of S&amp;P 500 companies reporting a positive EPS surprise since FactSet began tracking this metric in 2008,&rdquo; notes <a href="https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-july-31-2020">John Butters of FactSet Research.</a>
With that in mind, here are some exchange-traded funds to consider for this week&#39;s earnings onslaught.
Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (XLC)
The Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xlc#NYSE">XLC</a>) gained 2.25% last week, dealing with reports from Facebook (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fb#NASDAQ">FB</a>) and Alphabet (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/goog#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) with aplomb.
This week&#39;s marquee report among XLC components is Dow component Walt Disney Co&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dis#NYSE">DIS</a>) on <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/disney-t-mobile-cvs-activision-blizzard-and-other-stocks-for-investors-to-watch-this-week-51596394800?mod=hp_LEAD_3">Tuesday after the bell</a>. However, several video game makers and media companies report this week, too, sending a decent percentage of XLC&#39;s roster into the earnings confessional.
To this point in earnings season, 75% of communication services companies reporting are beating estimates. Only energy and real estate have lower percentages.
Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports &amp; Digital Entertainment ETF (NERD)
Speaking of video games, the Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports &amp; Digital Entertainment ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nerd#NYSE">NERD</a>) jumped 4.78% last week with some help from a bullish earnings report from Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ea#NASDAQ">EA</a>). That extends NERD&#39;s 2020 gain to a stellar 46%.
More potential earnings catalysts loom for NERD this week with Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ttwo#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) and Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) reporting on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Those stocks combine for <a href="https://www.roundhillinvestments.com/etf/nerd/">10% of NERD&#39;s roster</a>.
EA&#39;s report confirms more games are being sold amid the pandemic. NERD could repeat last week&#39;s bullishness if Take-Two and Activision make similar comments.
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF)
The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) is up just 2% this year despite health insurers keeping costs down as patients eschew elective procedures due to the pandemic.
CVS Health (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvs#NYSE">CVS</a>), IHF&#39;s second-largest holding at a weight of 12.5%, reports this week.
&ldquo;CVS reported above our expectations in the first quarter after an increase in store activity as a result of the shelter-in-place orders,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/articles/995037/the-week-ahead-walt-disney-cvs-and-berkshire-hathaway-to-report-earnings">according to Morningstar.</a> &ldquo;As a top-tier pharmacy and health insurer with pharmacy benefit manager franchises, the narrow-moat company is a leader in affordable healthcare. Despite concerns and impact from the coronavirus, we believe CVS&rsquo; 2020 will not be severely disrupted by the pandemic.&rdquo;

ATVI

GOOG

NERD

TTWO

3 ETFs For This Week's Earnings Reports

The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) has shaken out its politically-induced doldrums experienced earlier this year, rallying 30.44% off its 52-week low to cobble together a year-to-date gain of almost 18%.
Some analysts believe managed care and health insurance providers, including some of the 49 names dwelling in IHF, will see steadiness in the new year.
&ldquo;Full year 2019 operating performance within the U.S. health insurance sector is expected to extend the trend of solid results established in recent years, and there are strong indications that this trend will be extended further in 2020,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/10104755">Fitch Ratings said in a recent note</a>. &ldquo;As a result, Fitch Ratings maintains a Stable sector outlook and Rating Outlook for the health insurance sector in 2020.&rdquo;
<h3>Why It&#39;s Important</h3>
Dow component UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>) is IHF&#39;s largest holding, commanding nearly 24% of the ETF&#39;s weight. To a degree, so goes UnitedHealth, so goes IHF, but there are other important holdings in the fund, including CVS Health (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvs#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ci#NYSE">CI</a>) and Centene (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cnc#NYSE">CNC</a>).
&ldquo;As CVS Health Corporation and Cigna Corporation continue the process of integrating Aetna Inc. and Express Scripts Inc., respectively, and Centene Corporation is expected to complete its acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. in first half 2020, Fitch believes that the potential for material consolidation activity will be significantly reduced in 2020,&rdquo; Fitch said. &ldquo;Fitch expects consolidation activity in 2020 to focus more on modest buildout of care delivery opportunities in various regions or care management and technology initiatives.&rdquo;
CVS, Centene and Cigna combine for almost a quarter of IHF&#39;s roster.
<h3>What&#39;s Next</h3>
Integral to IHF&#39;s fortunes in 2020 is political risk and if that can remain muted, meaning presidential candidates backing off of Medicare For All, the very issue that plagued the ETF earlier this year. Notably, appetite for Medicare For All may not be as robust as some candidates expect.
&ldquo;Healthcare will certainly continue to be one of the most prevalent discussion topics among candidates for the U.S. presidency in 2020, but Fitch does not anticipate significant change in the structure of the U.S. healthcare system over the next couple of years,&rdquo; the ratings agency said.
&ldquo;While the health insurance sector has faced the risk of a replacement of the current private health insurance system with a single-payer system for decades, and this risk has been incorporated into Fitch&#39;s ratings, Fitch believes that public resistance to transformational change in the way healthcare is delivered and financed is slowly eroding as healthcare costs account for an increasing share of consumer expenditures.&rdquo;
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This ETF Has A Clean Bill Of Health For Now

On <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/12/02/final-trades-wendys-roku-tanger-alibaba-and-more.html">CNBC&#39;s &quot;Fast Money Halftime Report,&quot;</a> Joe Terranova recommended Wendys Co (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wen#NASDAQ">WEN</a>) as a buy.
Jim Lebentahl wants to buy Roku Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/roku#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>). He said it looks like it has already turned.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/19/12/14911286/roku-falls-on-morgan-stanley-downgrade-analyst-thinks-revenue-growth-will-slow-in-2">Roku Falls On Morgan Stanley Downgrade, Analyst Thinks Revenue Growth Will Slow In 2020</a>
Jenny Harrington is a buyer of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/skt#NYSE">SKT</a>).
Rob Sechan thinks iShares Dow Jones US Health Care (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) is a buy.
Stephen Weiss said he bought Roku during the break. His final trade is Alibaba Group Holding Ltd&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/baba#NYSE">BABA</a>).

Media

ROKU

Alibaba, Wendy's And More 'Fast Money Halftime Report' Picks From Dec. 2

The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) has spent plenty of time in the spotlight this year and for all the wrong, though easy to explain reasons.
<h3>What Happened</h3>
Somehow, IHF is clinging to a modest year-to-date gain, but that 1.43% uptick is less than half the S&amp;P 500 Health Care Index&#39;s 2019 showing and that&#39;s saying something because health care is the worst-performing sector in the S&amp;P 500 this year.
As has <a href="iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF">been widely noted</a>, IHF has hindered by speculation that the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, whomever that will be, will push for &quot;Medicare For All,&quot; a move that would decimate IHF member companies, including Dow component, UnitedHealth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>).
<h3>Why It&#39;s Important</h3>
But&nbsp;there&#39;s more when it comes to obstacles facing IHF and those obstacles aren&#39;t related to the Medicare For All debate.
&ldquo;A July hospital survey from JPMorgan last week has heightened <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/PWNDA4SYF01T">concerns</a> about insurers&rsquo; spending on patients&rsquo; medical claims in the third quarter. Anthem Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Centene Corp. were among the companies that <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-24/health-insurers-sink-as-rising-spending-gauge-alarms-investors">flagged</a> rising costs in the past quarter,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-26/health-insurers-can-t-catch-a-break-as-earnings-come-into-focus?srnd=premium">according to Bloomberg</a>.
The market says those concerns are credible because IHF, an ETF that should be seen as defensive and one home to components with little to no export exposure, is trading lower than the S&amp;P 500 this month. Said another way, the trade war with China should be sending investors to funds like IHF, but the ETF is betraying its defensive reputation.
Moreover, UnitedHealth, Anthem (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/antm#NASDAQ">ANTM</a>) and Centene (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cnc#NYSE">CNC</a>) combine for about 37% of IHF&#39;s weight, so if those stocks are falling in unison, IHF likely isn&#39;t moving higher.
<h3>What&#39;s Next</h3>
&ldquo;Fundamental concerns have weighed on the sector for the past month,&rdquo; reports Bloomberg. &ldquo;The S&amp;P 500 Managed Care Index has declined 5.2% this year, after being up about 8% just last month. The benchmark plunged nearly 3% after JPMorgan&rsquo;s survey came out last week.&rdquo;
There&#39;s no rest for the weary. IHF will likely face political headwinds again in a few weeks when the next round of Democratic debates are aired.
Related Links:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/19/08/14324050/maybe-the-right-small-cap-etf-for-the-moment">The Small-Cap ETF To Consider Right Now</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/19/08/14317161/this-leveraged-etf-isnt-getting-enough-love">Give This ETF More Attention</a>

Short Ideas

ANTM

It's Still All About Politics For This ETF

Plenty of health care exchange traded funds can be dubbed disappointing this year. The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>) is one fund that belongs in that group.
<h3>What Happened</h3>
While IHF&#39;s year-to-date gain of 5.88% is tepid at best, the fund&#39;s lethargy is not its fault. Rather, investors in IHF and the stocks held by the ETF are finding themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. The time is a presidential election cycle that kicked into high gear early in 2019, featuring momentum for &quot;Medicare for All.&quot;
Regardless of one&#39;s feelings about Medicare for All and the candidates endorsing that idea, markets are saying <a href="https://investorplace.com/2019/06/best-etfs-for-2019-the-ishares-u-s-healthcare-providers-etf-can-recover/">it&#39;s not a good idea</a>.
IHF confirms as much as does UnitedHealth&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>) status as one of the worst-performing members of the Dow Jones Industrial Average this year. That stock accounts for almost 22% of IHF&#39;s weight.
<h3>Why It&#39;s Important</h3>
IHF has rallied nicely off its May lows, but until the field of contenders for the 2020 presidential election is pared further and/or it becomes clear those candidates will not push for Medicare for All, investors may need some convincing before embracing IHF.
&ldquo;Despite leading Democratic candidate Joe Biden leaning toward more moderate approaches, heated debate <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-28/harris-stakes-claim-as-top-2020-contender-in-clash-with-biden">exchanges</a> pushed presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren higher on investors&rsquo; radars,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-01/health-insurers-face-tough-second-half-as-policy-risks-loom?srnd=premium">according to Bloomberg</a>. &ldquo;Both support versions of a national health-insurance program.&rdquo;
Some analysts that follow stocks such as UNH and other IHF components have noted that if Biden falls behind in the polls to a rival that favors Medicare for All, healthcare providers stocks are likely to suffers as a result.
<h3>What&#39;s Next</h3>
Note that IHF traded higher through most of July as second-quarter earnings from its components streamed in, but the fund tumbled late last month. Sure, some of that could be attributable to the flareup of trade hostilities with China, but none of IHF&#39;s holdings have anything resembling notable China exposure.
Rather, the fund&#39;s recent dip could be pinned on the second round of Democratic debates, underscoring the point that, for investors, politics and IHF typically don&#39;t mix.
&ldquo;Debates are scheduled to go on until late December, after which voters will start casting their votes during the first primaries and caucuses in February,&rdquo; reports Bloomberg.
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It Could Be A While Before This ETF Really Bounces Back

With the government shutdown now in its fourth week&nbsp;and 800,000 federal workers on furlough, the risk of recession has increased significantly. The shutdown occurred due to lack of progress in passing a spending bill, wherein Trump demanded funding for $5.7&nbsp;billion for a border wall that is being opposed by the Democrats.
With the average pay loss being $5,000 for 800,000 federal employees, the shutdown has begun to harm the economy through&nbsp;lower consumer spending and investment. Additionally, tax refunds and mortgage applications have been delayed, hampering the housing sector. Public companies are struggling to get approval to raise capital, the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program went unfunded, and the Food and Drug Administration delayed approval of drugs and medical devices.
The Trump administration&#39;s revised estimates have&nbsp;doubled the cost of the government shutdown. It now projects the closure will subtract 0.1 percentage point from growth every week compared with the previous projection of 0.1 percentage point reduction every two weeks. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase believes that the partial shutdown could wipe out growth from the world&#39;s biggest economy if it continues through the first quarter of the year.
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Apart from the shutdown, U.S.-China trade tensions and global growth worries added to fears of recession. Additionally, growth in the world&#39;s biggest economy has started to slow down as gauges of manufacturing and consumer sentiment have fallen in the recent weeks.
Deutsche Bank warned&nbsp;that the combination of the U.S.-China trade war and government shutdown may result in recession as soon as this year. According to a <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/ceos-say-recession-is-top-worry-for-2019-11547672460">new survey</a> of chief executives from the Conference Board, the possibility of a global recession ranks as the top concern on the minds of corporate leaders as they head into 2019. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg put the risk of a U.S. recession at the highest in more than six years. They see a 25 percent&nbsp;chance of a slump in the next 12 months, up from 20 percent&nbsp;in the December survey.
In such a backdrop, investors should stash their cash in some conventionally secure and recession proof corners of the broad market. Below, we have highlighted a few ETFs from these areas:
SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gld#NYSE">GLD</a>)
In difficult market environments, gold is considered a great store of value and hedge against market turmoil. With AUM of $33.2 billion, the ultra-popular GLD tracks the price of gold bullion measured in U.S. dollars, and kept in London under the custody of HSBC Bank USA. It charges 40 bps in fees per year from investors and trades in heavy volume of nearly 8 million shares a day. The fund has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook.
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tlt#NASDAQ">TLT</a>)
Though the fund was out of investors&#39; favor due to rising yields last year and has an unfavorable Zacks ETF Rank #5 (Strong Sell) with a High risk outlook, the recession risk has brought back some lure. This is because the products tracking the long end of the yield curve often provide a safe haven. TLT provides exposure to long-term Treasury bonds by tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury 20+ Year Bond Index. It is one of the most popular and liquid ETFs in the bond space with AUM of $9.3 billion and average daily volume of 8.9 million shares. Expense ratio comes in at 0.15 percent.
Utilities Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xlu#NYSE">XLU</a>)
Being the low-beta sector, utility is relatively protected from large swings (ups and downs) in the stock market and is thus considered a defensive investment or safe haven amid economic or political turmoil. While there are several options in the space, the ultra-popular XLU seems a good bet. With AUM of $8.4 billion, it provides exposure to a small basket of 29 securities by tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. The product charges 13 bps in annual fees and sees heavy volume of around 19 million shares on average. XLU has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook.
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihf#NYSE">IHF</a>)
Healthcare generally outperforms during periods of low growth and high uncertainty. The demand for healthcare services remains intact even in the deteriorating economic fundamentals. IHF follows the Dow Jones U.S. Select Healthcare Providers Index with exposure to companies that provide health insurance, diagnostics and specialized treatment. In total, the fund holds 45 securities in its basket and has amassed $863.6 million in its asset base. Volume is good at about 116,000 shares per day on average. The product charges 43 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xlp#NYSE">XLP</a>)
The consumer staples sector is also viewed as defensive as it includes a variety of items like food &amp; beverages, non-durable household goods, hypermarkets and consumer supercenters that are essential for daily needs. These products see steady demand even during an economic downturn due to their low level of correlation with economic cycles. This is the most-popular consumer staples ETF with AUM of $9.6 billion and follows the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. It holds about 33 securities in its basket and charges 13 bps in fees per year from investors. The fund trades in heavy volume of nearly 18.2 million shares a day and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook.
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vig#NYSE">VIG</a>)
Dividend paying securities are the major source of consistent income for investors to create wealth when returns from the equity market are at risk. Dividend-focused products offer safety in the form of payouts while at the same time providing stability as mature companies are less volatile to large swings in stock prices. VIG is the largest and most popular ETF in the dividend space with AUM of $30 billion and average&nbsp;daily volume of about 1.1 million shares.&nbsp;It holds 182 securities in the basket and charges 8 bps in annual fees. The product has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.
Related Links:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/19/01/12996738/a-pleasant-emerging-markets-surprise">A Pleasant Emerging Markets Surprise</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/19/01/12969190/is-it-finally-time-to-consider-financial-etfs">Is It Finally Time To Consider Financial ETFs?</a>

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Prolonged Shutdown Raises Recession Risk: ETFs To Consider

House Republicans have revealed their long-anticipated Affordable Care Act repeal and replace bill &mdash; the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/17/02/9088659/5-things-republicans-want-to-change-about-obamacare-but-might-not-be-">American Health Care Act.</a>
The bill repeals numerous ACA related taxes and penalties (mostly starting in 2018), defunds Medicaid expansion after 2019 and offers tax credits ($2,000&ndash;4,000 based on age and income) for the individual market.
Further, the tax credits will only be made available in full for those earning under $75,000 ($150,000 joint filers).

<h3>The Good, The Bad</h3>

&ldquo;The bill hits the Medicaid market hard. It would end the Medicaid expansion in 2020 and also sets the new Medicaid per capita allotment growth rate at CPI Medical,&rdquo; Credit Suisse analyst Scott Fidel wrote in a note.
On the other hand, Fidel noted that MA plans would particularly benefit from the repeal of the health insurance industry fee and there are several proposals in the House bill that could support a more balanced individual market risk pool.

<h3>Tough Political Battle On The Cards</h3>

However, the House bill may face a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/17/03/9134634/the-2-sides-of-the-affordable-care-act-debate-explained">tough political battle</a> even with President Trump&#39;s support as four Republican senators expressed concern around House proposals.
Andrew Parmentier of Height Securities expects the dissent to delay the passage of the new healthcare act as the debate itself is expected to extend beyond May.
&ldquo;The continued divide within the Republican party indicates to us that the aggressive timeline set out by Republican leadership &mdash; who wish to see health care finalized in the House by the end of March, and in the Senate by mid-April &mdash; is highly unlikely. Instead, we expect the debate will bleed into May and possibly beyond,&rdquo; Parmentier wrote in a note.
Parmentier also noted that the proposed bill is a trimmed down version of Obamacare and &ldquo;there is no overriding political philosophy or economic-driven blueprint to the Republicans&rsquo; replace part of the equation.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Add expanded health savings accounts and a new refundable tax credit to the mix and you have something other than Obamacare [...] it just doesn&rsquo;t feel like a repeal,&rdquo; Parmentier highlighted.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/17/02/9094886/affordable-care-act-replacement-bill-leaked">Affordable Care Act Replacement Bill Leaked</a>
Related Link:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/17/01/8891995/companies-that-have-the-most-to-lose-if-obamacare-is-repealed"> Companies That Have The Most To Lose If Obamacare Is Repealed</a>

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