VB vs VGHAX
VB vs VGHAX
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
VB has a lower expense ratio. VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VB offers more diversification with 1112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $31.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +1.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +24.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | -0.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | -2.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 12, 2001 |
VB vs VGHAX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) 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 VB returned +29.09% while VGHAX returned +24.75%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 1.53% for VGHAX.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against -0.53% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and -2.64% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -2.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 15.3% 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 -61.0% for VB 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VGHAX charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $32 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 1.06% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VGHAX share 23 holdings out of 1175 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VB | Weight in VGHAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTHR | 0.28% | 1.38% | 1.10% |
| IONS | 0.17% | 0.78% | 0.61% |
| RVMD | 0.24% | 0.68% | 0.44% |
| INCY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CYTK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NTRA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MDGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CGON | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EHC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PCVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VB shares with VGHAX Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VB or VGHAX?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGHAX charges 0.32%. VB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VGHAX?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +24.75% for VGHAX, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs -2.64% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VGHAX?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both VB and VGHAX?
VB and VGHAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VGHAX?
VB and VGHAX share 23 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VGHAX?
VB yields 1.48% while VGHAX yields 1.06%, so VB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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