IVV vs VGHAX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.27% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $32.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 6.45% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +7.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +24.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +1.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | -2.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 12, 2001 |
IVV vs VGHAX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while VGHAX returned +24.36%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 7.13% for VGHAX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +1.32% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and -2.07% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGHAX charges 0.27%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $27 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 6.45% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGHAX share 28 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VGHAX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGHAX charges 0.27%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGHAX?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +24.36% for VGHAX, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -2.07% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGHAX?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGHAX?
IVV and VGHAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGHAX?
IVV and VGHAX share 28 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGHAX?
IVV yields 1.10% while VGHAX yields 6.45%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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