VGHAX vs VOO
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.13% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.36% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.32% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.07% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VGHAX vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.36% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 7.13% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +1.32% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.07% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs -2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.27% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $3 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 6.45% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VOO share 28 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VOO?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VOO?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.36% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.07% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VOO?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VOO?
VGHAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VOO?
VGHAX and VOO share 28 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VOO?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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