What are genomics & genetic research ETFs?
Genomics is the study of DNA, the genetic instructions inside every living cell. ETFs in this group own companies that read, write, test or edit genes. They also own drug developers whose treatments build on that work. Twist Bioscience is the only stock all four funds hold, at a median weight of about 4%. Guardant Health, Natera and Vertex Pharmaceuticals each appear in three of the four. Illumina, Moderna, Eli Lilly, CRISPR Therapeutics and Adaptive Biotechnologies appear in two.
The funds differ more than their names suggest. ARK Invest's ARKG is the oldest (launched October 31, 2014) and also the most concentrated: 32 stocks, with 59% in its top 10 and 10x Genomics the largest at 9.4%. ARKG and Franklin Templeton's HELX don't name an index to track. Their stated aims are long-term growth of capital and capital appreciation, so managers pick the stocks. HELX spreads across 63 holdings but still puts 9.1% in Guardant Health. iShares' IDNA follows an index of developed and emerging market companies in genomics, immunology and bioengineering, which brings in names such as Bayer, Regeneron and Genmab. Global X's GNOM tracks the Solactive Genomics Index across 51 stocks. None of the four uses leverage, inverse bets or options.
Costs sit in a narrow band with one exception. The median expense ratio (the yearly fee, taken from fund assets) is 0.50%, which GNOM and HELX both charge. IDNA is the lowest at 0.47% and ARKG the highest at 0.75%.
The money is lopsided. All of the group's roughly $1.83 billion sits in these four funds, and ARKG holds about $1.56 billion of it. IDNA follows at about $191 million, then GNOM at about $56 million and HELX at about $28 million.
Genomics & genetic research ETF holdings: the stocks most funds own
The stocks that show up most often among the largest positions of the 4 biggest genomics & genetic research ETFs with holdings reports, from their latest N-PORT filings.
| Stock | Funds holding it | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|
| Twist Bioscience Corp | 4 of 4 | 3.97% |
| Guardant Health Inc | 3 of 4 | 5.59% |
| Natera Inc | 3 of 4 | 4.15% |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | 3 of 4 | 3.87% |
| Illumina Inc | 2 of 4 | 4.74% |
| Moderna, Inc. | 2 of 4 | 3.28% |
| Eli Lilly & Company | 2 of 4 | 2.95% |
| Crispr Therapeutics AG | 2 of 4 | 2.7% |
| Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp | 2 of 4 | 2.57% |
Typical weight is the median share of each fund’s assets in the stock, among the funds that hold it in their 25 largest positions.
The largest genomics & genetic research ETFs, side by side
Swipe the table to see all 4 funds.
| ARKG | IDNA | GNOM | HELX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net assets | $1.56B | $190.9M | $55.8M | $27.9M |
| Expense ratio | 0.75% | 0.47% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Holdings | 32 | 58 | 51 | 63 |
| In the 10 largest | 59.05% | 42.99% | 42.54% | 47.05% |
| Biggest holding | 10x Genomics Inc (9.39%) | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (4.81%) | Guardant Health, Inc. (5.59%) | Guardant Health Inc (9.09%) |
| Yield | 0% | 0.69% | 0.94% | 0.32% |
| 1-year return | +65.8% | +66.9% | +56.6% | +28.8% |
| 3 years, a year | +32.4% | +35.8% | +25.8% | +20.4% |
| 5 years, a year | -6.8% | -2.1% | -3.9% | -3.0% |
| Worst drop, past year | -27.5% | -10.7% | -18.2% | -18.0% |
| Launched | 2014 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 |
The largest ordinary funds by net assets (leveraged and inverse funds are listed further down). Holdings from each fund’s latest N-PORT report; returns include reinvested distributions, as of Oct 27, 2026.
Head to head
ARKG vs IDNA
The two largest funds share 6 stocks, 8.3% of assets, the group's smallest overlap. ARKG is a manager-picked portfolio of 32 stocks with 59% in its top 10, led by 10x Genomics at 9.4%. IDNA tracks a global index of 58 stocks, with 43% in its top 10 and Bayer largest at 4.8%. IDNA charges 0.47% versus 0.75%. As of October 27, 2026, one-year returns were close (IDNA 66.9%, ARKG 65.8%). But ARKG's deepest fall from a peak that year was 27.5%, against 10.7%. ARKG may suit investors at ease with concentrated bets; IDNA, those wanting a wider spread.
ARKG vs GNOM
These two overlap the most: 15 shared stocks making up 38.1% of assets. GNOM tracks the Solactive Genomics Index across 51 stocks, with 42.5% in its top 10 and Guardant Health largest at 5.6%. ARKG is more concentrated, with 59% in its top 10. GNOM costs 0.50% against ARKG's 0.75%, and GNOM yielded 0.94% while ARKG paid nothing. As of October 27, 2026, ARKG returned 65.8% over one year and GNOM 56.6%. But ARKG's deepest fall from a peak that year was larger, 27.5% versus 18.2%. GNOM may suit investors who prefer index rules; ARKG, those wanting a manager's picks.
IDNA vs GNOM
The group's two index funds cost almost the same: 0.47% a year for IDNA, 0.50% for GNOM. They share 19 stocks, a 21.1% overlap. IDNA's index also covers immunology and bioengineering in developed and emerging markets, so its biggest holdings include Bayer, Regeneron and Genmab. GNOM's are led by Guardant Health, Illumina and Natera. Both hold about 43% in their top 10. As of October 27, 2026, IDNA led on one-year return (66.9% vs 56.6%) and had a shallower fall from its peak (10.7% vs 18.2%). IDNA may suit those wanting a wider health mix; GNOM, a tighter genomics focus.
How much do the largest genomics & genetic research ETFs overlap?
Owning two funds that hold the same stocks adds little diversification. Overlap here is the share of assets two funds have in common: for each stock both own, the smaller of its two weights, added up.
| Funds | Assets in common | Shared holdings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARKG and GNOM | 38.1% | 15 | |
| GNOM and HELX | 30% | 20 | |
| ARKG and HELX | 25.5% | 13 | |
| IDNA and GNOM | 21.1% | 19 | |
| IDNA and HELX | 9.8% | 7 | |
| ARKG and IDNA | 8.3% | 6 |
From each fund’s full holdings in its latest N-PORT report.
How have genomics & genetic research ETFs performed?
The five largest ordinary funds: growth from the start of the range, distributions reinvested. The dashed gray line is the S&P 500 (SPY).
Best-performing genomics & genetic research ETFs over the past year
| # | Fund | Net assets | Cost | 1 mo | YTD | 1 yr | 3 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IDNA iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF | $190.9M | 0.47% | +0.6% | +61.1% | +66.9% | +35.8% |
| 2 | ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution ETF | $1.56B | 0.75% | -3.2% | +78.3% | +65.8% | +32.4% |
| 3 | GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF | $55.8M | 0.5% | -2.0% | +51.5% | +56.6% | +25.8% |
| 4 | HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF | $27.9M | 0.5% | 0.0% | +22.0% | +28.8% | +20.4% |
Funds with at least $25 million in net assets; leveraged and inverse funds left out. Past returns don’t predict future returns.
How genomics & genetic research ETFs did in past market crashes
| Fund | 2008 crash | 2020 crash | 2022 drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARKG | not yet launched | -28.3% | -49.5% |
| IDNA | not yet launched | -20.4% | -39.8% |
| GNOM | not yet launched | -29.8% | -38.1% |
| HELX | not yet launched | not yet launched | -37.2% |
| S&P 500 (SPY) | -55.2% | -33.7% | -24.5% |
Total return from the stock market’s peak to its low in each fall, distributions reinvested.
What drives genomics & genetic research ETFs?
Genomics companies often spend years on research before they earn steady profits, so their share prices rest heavily on hopes for future sales. News that changes those odds moves them sharply: clinical trial results, regulators' approval decisions and whether insurers will pay for genetic tests. Makers of lab tools and sequencing equipment also depend on research budgets at universities, hospitals and drug companies. Because so much of the value lies years ahead, these stocks react strongly to interest rates and to how much risk investors are willing to take. Higher rates shrink the present value of distant profits, and cautious investors tend to shed unproven companies first.
The funds' record cuts both ways. In the COVID crash of early 2020, ARKG fell 28.3%, IDNA 20.4% and GNOM 29.8%, each less than the S&P 500's 33.7% drop. HELX launched that February and has no figure for it. The 2022 bear market (a long, deep decline) was far harsher: ARKG lost 49.5%, IDNA 39.8%, GNOM 38.1% and HELX 37.2%, against 24.5% for the S&P 500. None of the funds existed during the 2008 financial crisis.
Genomics & genetic research ETFs with the lowest expense ratios
| # | Fund | Expense ratio | On $10,000 | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IDNA iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF | 0.47% | $47 a year | $190.9M |
| 2 | GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF | 0.5% | $50 a year | $55.8M |
| 3 | HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF | 0.5% | $50 a year | $27.9M |
| 4 | ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution ETF | 0.75% | $75 a year | $1.56B |
Ordinary funds with at least $10 million in net assets. The median ordinary genomics & genetic research ETF charges 0.5% a year; leveraged and inverse funds usually charge more.
Do genomics & genetic research ETFs pay dividends?
3 of the 4 ordinary genomics & genetic research ETFs with a page here paid distributions over the last 12 months, with a median yield of 0.69%.
| Highest yields | Yield | Net assets |
|---|---|---|
| GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF | 0.94% | $55.8M |
| IDNA iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF | 0.69% | $190.9M |
| HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF | 0.32% | $27.9M |
Distributions over the last 12 months divided by the price; funds with at least $25 million in net assets.
How to choose a genomics & genetic research ETF
- Cost ranges from 0.47% to 0.75%. IDNA is the cheapest at 0.47% a year, and GNOM and HELX charge 0.50%. ARKG costs 0.75%, the most in the group, though it is also by far the largest fund.
- Index rules or a manager's picks. IDNA and GNOM follow indexes; GNOM's is the Solactive Genomics Index. ARKG and HELX name no index and aim instead for growth of capital, so their managers decide what to own and how much.
- How much rides on the top 10. ARKG holds 32 stocks and puts 59% in its top 10, led by 10x Genomics at 9.4%. IDNA and GNOM keep about 43% in their top 10. HELX holds 63 stocks but has 9.1% in Guardant Health.
- Narrow genomics or wider global health. IDNA's index reaches into immunology and bioengineering and includes developed and emerging markets, so Bayer, Regeneron and Genmab are among its largest holdings. It shares only 8.3% of its assets with ARKG and 9.8% with HELX.
- Fund size and staying power. ARKG has about $1.56 billion in net assets and IDNA about $191 million. GNOM, at about $56 million, and HELX, at about $28 million, are small; small ETFs can trade at wider price gaps and are likelier to close.
- Plain stock funds with little income. None of the four uses leverage, inverse bets or options. Income is small: as of October 27, 2026, GNOM yielded 0.94%, IDNA 0.69% and HELX 0.32%, while ARKG paid nothing.
What are the risks of genomics & genetic research ETFs?
- A few stocks can move the fund. ARKG has 59% of its money in 10 stocks, with 10x Genomics at 9.4% and Twist Bioscience at 7.7%. HELX has 9.1% in Guardant Health. A failed trial or weak results at one company can hit these funds hard.
- Large price swings, even in good years. In the year to October 27, 2026, ARKG's volatility (a measure of how widely its price moved) was 44%, against 23.8% for HELX. ARKG still fell 27.5% from a peak during a year it gained 65.8%.
- Steep losses in market downturns. In the 2022 bear market, ARKG lost 49.5% and the other three fell between 37% and 40%, against 24.5% for the S&P 500. As of October 27, 2026, all four had negative five-year returns.
- Hinges on trials, approvals and insurers. Genomics companies often depend on drugs or tests that still need trial success, regulatory approval or insurer coverage. One setback can erase much of a company's value within days.
- Small funds could close. GNOM had about $56 million and HELX about $28 million in net assets. Small ETFs can have wider bid-ask spreads (the gap between quoted trading prices), and a closure would return investors' cash, possibly creating a taxable gain.
List of all genomics & genetic research ETFs, by size
| # | Fund | Net assets | Cost | Yield | YTD | 1 yr | 5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARKG ARK Genomic Revolution ETF | $1.56B | 0.75% | 0% | +78.3% | +65.8% | -6.8% |
| 2 | IDNA iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF | $190.9M | 0.47% | 0.69% | +61.1% | +66.9% | -2.1% |
| 3 | GNOM Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF | $55.8M | 0.5% | 0.94% | +51.5% | +56.6% | -3.9% |
| 4 | HELX Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF | $27.9M | 0.5% | 0.32% | +22.0% | +28.8% | -3.0% |
Questions investors ask about genomics & genetic research ETFs
What is the largest genomics ETF?
ARK Invest's ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution ETF) is the largest by far. It has about $1.56 billion in net assets out of roughly $1.83 billion across all four US-listed genomics ETFs. It is also the oldest, launched October 31, 2014. iShares' IDNA comes next at about $191 million, followed by Global X's GNOM at about $56 million and Franklin Templeton's HELX at about $28 million.
What is the cheapest genomics ETF?
IDNA, the iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF, has the lowest expense ratio at 0.47% a year. The expense ratio is the yearly fee taken out of fund assets. GNOM and HELX each charge 0.50%, the group median, and ARKG costs the most at 0.75%. Cost is worth comparing alongside how differently the funds are built, since their holdings overlap far less than their names suggest.
ARKG vs IDNA: what's the difference?
They are built very differently and share only 8.3% of their assets. ARKG is a manager-picked fund of 32 stocks with 59% in its top 10, led by 10x Genomics at 9.4%. IDNA tracks an index of 58 developed and emerging market stocks across genomics, immunology and bioengineering, led by Bayer at 4.8%. IDNA costs 0.47% a year versus 0.75%. As of October 27, 2026, one-year returns were close (66.9% for IDNA, 65.8% for ARKG). Five-year returns were -2.1% for IDNA and -6.8% for ARKG.
Do genomics ETFs pay dividends?
Three of the four do, but the payouts are small. As of October 27, 2026, GNOM yielded 0.94%, IDNA 0.69% and HELX 0.32%, while ARKG paid nothing. Genomics companies often put their cash into research rather than dividends, so these funds lean toward growth rather than income. For retirees who draw on portfolio income, they provide very little of it.
Which genomics ETFs hold Illumina?
Illumina shows up in two of the four funds, at a median weight of about 4.7%. In GNOM it is the second-largest holding, at 4.8% of the fund. The most widely shared stock is Twist Bioscience, the only one held by all four; it makes up 7.7% of ARKG and 4.8% of IDNA. Guardant Health, Natera and Vertex Pharmaceuticals each appear in three.
How many genomics ETFs are there?
There are four US-listed genomics ETFs: ARK Invest's ARKG, iShares' IDNA, Global X's GNOM and Franklin Templeton's HELX. Two track indexes (IDNA and GNOM). ARKG and HELX name no index in their objectives, leaving stock choices to managers. None is leveraged, inverse or options-based, so all four simply own shares. ARKG dates to 2014; the other three launched in 2019 and 2020.
Is there a Vanguard genomics ETF?
No. None of the four US-listed genomics ETFs comes from Vanguard. They are run by ARK Invest (ARKG), iShares (IDNA), Global X (GNOM) and Franklin Templeton (HELX). For investors drawn to Vanguard's style of low-cost index funds, the nearest match in this group is IDNA. It tracks an index and has the lowest expense ratio here at 0.47%. GNOM, at 0.50%, also tracks an index.
How have genomics ETFs performed?
Strongly over one year, poorly over five. As of October 27, 2026, one-year returns ranged from 28.8% for HELX to 66.9% for IDNA, with a median of 56.6%. Five-year returns were negative for all four, from -2.1% for IDNA to -6.8% for ARKG. In the 2022 bear market, ARKG fell 49.5%, against 24.5% for the S&P 500. Past returns don't predict future ones.
Is there a Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab genomics & genetic research ETF?
No. None of the three offers a genomics & genetic research ETF. The largest genomics & genetic research ETFs come from ARK Invest (ARKG), iShares (IDNA) and Global X (GNOM), and customers of all three firms can buy other companies’ ETFs in their brokerage accounts. For a broader fund, VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and FTEC (Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF) are covered in our technology ETF guide.
