VGHAX vs VOT
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 129 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $19.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 0.62% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | +8.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.40% | +8.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +16.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.45% | +5.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VGHAX vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% while VOT returned +8.44%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 5.03% versus a gain of 8.96% for VOT.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +0.65% per year against +16.15% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are -2.45% and +5.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs -2.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.27% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $5 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 6.45% against 0.62% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VOT share 5 holdings out of 202 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VOT?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VOT?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +21.40% vs +8.44% for VOT, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.45% vs +9.59% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.5% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VOT?
VGHAX and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VOT?
VGHAX and VOT share 5 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 202 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VOT?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VOT yields 0.62%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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