VBK vs VGHAX
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $31.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | +17.33% | +1.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.87% | +24.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.09% | -0.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | -2.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 12, 2001 |
VBK vs VGHAX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) 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 VBK returned +29.87% while VGHAX returned +24.75%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.33% versus a gain of 1.53% for VGHAX.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.09% per year against -0.53% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.39% and -2.53% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.39% annualized vs -2.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -59.4% for VBK 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
VBK 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, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.06% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VGHAX share 19 holdings out of 609 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VGHAX?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGHAX charges 0.32%. VBK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VGHAX?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.87% vs +24.75% for VGHAX, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VBK annualized +9.39% vs -2.53% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VGHAX?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both VBK and VGHAX?
VBK 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 VBK and VGHAX?
VBK and VGHAX share 19 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 609 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VGHAX?
VBK yields 0.57% while VGHAX yields 1.06%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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