VGHAX vs VXF
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VXF has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32.8B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +6.28% | +16.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.17% | +20.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.22% | +7.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VGHAX vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +23.01% while VXF returned +24.93%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 6.28% versus a gain of 16.66% for VXF.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at +1.17% per year against +20.39% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -2.22% and +7.03% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs -2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 15.6% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 VXF 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 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VXF share 30 holdings out of 3350 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VXF?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VXF charges 0.05%. VXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VXF?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +23.01% vs +24.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.22% vs +9.04% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.6% for VGHAX. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VXF?
VGHAX and VXF 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 VXF?
VGHAX and VXF share 30 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3350 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VXF?
VGHAX yields 6.45% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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