Is CURE a good ETF?
CURE is the Global X S&P Biotech ETF from Global X. It tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. We classify it under US and Thematic. With about $50 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying). Listed on the ASX since 2021-08-12 (about 5 years ago).
On a total-return basis, CURE has delivered 5.25% a year over 5 years (ranked 117th of 189 ETFs we track), 25.77% a year over 3 years (ranked 21st of 236 ETFs we track), and 49.93% a year over 1 year (ranked 7th of 318 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 2% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.45% is on the higher side. If cost is your priority, IXJ (0.4%) and IXI (0.4%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a low 0% yield, so most of its return must come from capital growth.
Over the past 5 years its volatility has been high (annualised standard deviation around 24.8%), meaning a bumpy ride with deep drawdowns. Its 5-year Sharpe ratio of 0.19 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Portfolio turnover is moderate at about 35% a year — a fair chunk of the portfolio is bought and sold each year, so expect a little more in the way of realised capital gains and trading costs than a plain index fund.
Strengths
- Top-2% returns over 1 year (7th of 318 ETFs we track).
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: IXJ and IXI.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (5-year Sharpe ratio 0.19).
- High volatility (24.8% over 5 years) — expect deep drawdowns.
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
Good to know
- Low 0% yield — this is a growth-oriented fund, not an income play.
What CURE's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.
- Market regime
- Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.
- In a portfolio
- A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.