VEU vs VGHAX
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 3,928 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.27% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $32.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 6.45% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | +6.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.32% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +1.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.93% | -2.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Nov 12, 2001 |
VEU vs VGHAX Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) 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 VEU returned +27.32% while VGHAX returned +23.01%. Year to date, VEU is up 15.44% versus a gain of 6.28% for VGHAX.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +21.13% per year against +1.17% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.93% and -2.22% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEU has the edge at +3.59% annualized vs -2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.6% 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 -62.8% for VEU 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VGHAX charges 0.27%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $27 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 6.45% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VGHAX share 13 holdings out of 2894 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VGHAX?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VGHAX charges 0.27%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VGHAX?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.32% vs +23.01% for VGHAX, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEU annualized +3.59% vs -2.22% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VGHAX?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.6% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both VEU and VGHAX?
VEU and VGHAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VGHAX?
VEU and VGHAX share 13 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VGHAX?
VEU yields 2.55% while VGHAX yields 6.45%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.