VGHAX vs VT
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $31.8B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +2.81% | +13.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.13% | +24.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.34% | +20.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.37% | +10.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VGHAX vs VT Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +26.13% while VT returned +24.48%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 2.81% versus a gain of 13.85% for VT.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at -0.34% per year against +20.49% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are -2.37% and +10.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.35% annualized vs -2.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.32% per year while VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 1.06% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VT share 66 holdings out of 8947 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VT?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VT charges 0.06%. VT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VT?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +26.13% vs +24.48% for VT, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.37% vs +7.35% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VT?
VGHAX and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VT?
VGHAX and VT share 66 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8947 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VT?
VGHAX yields 1.06% while VT yields 1.61%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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