EDV vs VGHAX
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGHAX offers more diversification with 86 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $31.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.83% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | -5.62% | +2.81% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.94% | +26.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.55% | -0.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.40% | -2.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Nov 12, 2001 |
EDV vs VGHAX Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -4.94% while VGHAX returned +26.13%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.62% versus a gain of 2.81% for VGHAX.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.55% per year against -0.34% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are -12.40% and -2.37% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, EDV has the edge at -1.48% annualized vs -2.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% compared with 15.4% for VGHAX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -62.0% for EDV and -33.6% for VGHAX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while VGHAX charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $32 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 4.83% against 1.06% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and VGHAX share 0 holdings out of 162 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EDV or VGHAX?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGHAX charges 0.32%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or VGHAX?
Over the past year EDV returned -4.94% vs +26.13% for VGHAX, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), EDV annualized -1.48% vs -2.37% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or VGHAX?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both EDV and VGHAX?
EDV and VGHAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VGHAX?
EDV and VGHAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VGHAX?
EDV yields 4.83% while VGHAX yields 1.06%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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