FHLC vs VXUS
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FHLC or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FHLC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FHLC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $3.3B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 341 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.35% | +14.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | +23.53% | +24.27%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.43% | +19.98%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.23% | +9.07%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -29.2%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,903 | $15,436Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 24, 2013 to Sep 9, 2026 (12.9 years).
FHLC vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.9 years both funds cover.
FHLC vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FHLC returned +23.53% while VXUS returned +24.27%. Year to date, FHLC is up 9.35% versus a gain of 14.83% for VXUS.
Over three years, FHLC compounded at +10.43% per year against +19.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.23% and +9.07% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FHLC has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +5.43%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 14.4% for FHLC. 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 -29.2% for FHLC and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FHLC charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FHLC currently yields 1.23% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 324 holdings in FHLC and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 99.5% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, FHLC as of Aug 31, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 324 positions we hold weights for in FHLC and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 341 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FHLC and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FHLC or VXUS?
FHLC has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FHLC or VXUS?
Over the past year FHLC returned +23.53% vs +24.27% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FHLC annualized +10.15% vs +5.43% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FHLC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 14.4% for FHLC. Worst drawdown: FHLC -29.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FHLC and VXUS?
FHLC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FHLC or VXUS?
FHLC yields 1.23% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FHLC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FHLC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.