VGHAX vs VGK
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
VGK has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 1,251 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +7.13% | +10.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.36% | +19.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.32% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.07% | +9.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VGHAX vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.36% while VGK returned +19.44%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 7.13% versus a gain of 10.81% for VGK.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +1.32% per year against +18.94% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are -2.07% and +9.55% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.67% annualized vs -2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 15.7% 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 -33.6% for VGHAX and -67.3% for VGK. 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
VGHAX charges 0.27% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $6 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 6.45% against 2.82% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VGK share 9 holdings out of 1254 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VGK?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VGK charges 0.06%. VGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VGK?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.36% vs +19.44% for VGK, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.07% vs +3.67% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.7% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VGK?
VGHAX and VGK 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 VGHAX and VGK?
VGHAX and VGK share 9 common holdings with a 6.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1254 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VGK?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VGK yields 2.82%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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