VGHAX vs VGIT
VGHAX vs VGIT
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGHAX offers more diversification with 86 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VGIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31.8B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 3.84% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | -0.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.75% | +1.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.53% | +3.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.64% | -0.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Nov 19, 2009 |
VGHAX vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.75% while VGIT returned +1.32%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 1.53% versus a loss of 0.62% for VGIT.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at -0.53% per year against +3.60% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are -2.64% and -0.12% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGIT has the edge at +0.75% annualized vs -2.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.3% for VGIT. 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 -33.6% for VGHAX and -17.2% for VGIT. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.32% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 1.06% against 3.84% for VGIT.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VGIT share 0 holdings out of 170 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VGIT?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VGIT charges 0.03%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VGIT?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.75% vs +1.32% for VGIT, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.64% vs +0.75% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VGIT?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VGIT?
VGHAX and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VGIT?
VGHAX and VGIT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 170 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VGIT?
VGHAX yields 1.06% while VGIT yields 3.84%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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