VGHAX vs VIITX
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 2,599 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VIITX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 4.59% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 2,599 | |
| YTD Return | +6.28% | -1.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | -1.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.17% | +0.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.22% | -2.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -15.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Dec 1, 1997 |
VGHAX vs VIITX Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +23.01% while VIITX returned -1.44%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 6.28% versus a loss of 1.99% for VIITX.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +1.17% per year against +0.70% for VIITX; over five years the annualized figures are -2.22% and -2.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGHAX has the edge at -2.22% annualized vs -2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 4.2% for VIITX. 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 -15.0% for VIITX. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.27% per year while VIITX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $2 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 6.45% against 4.59% for VIITX.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VIITX share 1 holdings out of 1270 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGHAX | Weight in VIITX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAH | 1.38% | 0.08% | 1.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VIITX?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VIITX charges 0.02%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VIITX?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +23.01% vs -1.44% for VIITX, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.22% vs -2.33% for VIITX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VIITX?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VIITX -15.0%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VIITX?
VGHAX and VIITX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VIITX?
VGHAX and VIITX share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1270 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VIITX?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VIITX yields 4.59%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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