VGHAX vs VIPIX
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs
Quick Verdict
VIPIX has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGHAX offers more diversification with 109 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VIPIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $12.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 5.21% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | -0.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.40% | -2.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +0.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.45% | -4.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 6.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -24.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Dec 12, 2003 |
VGHAX vs VIPIX Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% while VIPIX returned -2.52%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 5.03% versus a loss of 0.53% for VIPIX.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +0.65% per year against +0.00% for VIPIX; over five years the annualized figures are -2.45% and -4.69% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGHAX has the edge at -2.45% annualized vs -4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 6.7% for VIPIX. 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 -24.5% for VIPIX. 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 0.27% per year while VIPIX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $7 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 6.45% against 5.21% for VIPIX.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VIPIX share 0 holdings out of 141 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 VIPIX?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VIPIX charges 0.07%. VIPIX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VIPIX?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% vs -2.52% for VIPIX, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.45% vs -4.69% for VIPIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VIPIX?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VIPIX -24.5%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VIPIX?
VGHAX and VIPIX 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 VIPIX?
VGHAX and VIPIX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VIPIX?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VIPIX yields 5.21%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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