VGHAX vs VO
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31.8B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +2.40% | +15.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.63% | +18.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.60% | +16.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.58% | +8.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VGHAX vs VO Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +25.63% while VO returned +18.65%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 2.40% versus a gain of 15.03% for VO.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at -0.60% per year against +16.65% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.58% and +8.13% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.26% annualized vs -2.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 15.3% 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.32% per year while VO 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 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VO share 9 holdings out of 356 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VO?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VO?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +25.63% vs +18.65% for VO, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.58% vs +9.26% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VO?
VGHAX and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VO?
VGHAX and VO share 9 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 356 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VO?
VGHAX yields 1.06% while VO yields 1.53%, so VO 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.