VGHAX vs VONG
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VONG has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 373 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | +4.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.40% | +12.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +22.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.45% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VGHAX vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% while VONG returned +12.19%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 5.03% versus a gain of 4.01% for VONG.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +0.65% per year against +22.47% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are -2.45% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.63% annualized vs -2.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VONG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 15.5% 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.27% per year while VONG 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 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VONG share 12 holdings out of 445 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VONG?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VONG charges 0.06%. VONG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VONG?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% vs +12.19% for VONG, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.45% vs +15.63% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VONG?
VONG has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.5% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VONG?
VGHAX and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VONG?
VGHAX and VONG share 12 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 445 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VONG?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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