VGHAX vs VXUS
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGHAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $31.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.75% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.53% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.64% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VGHAX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VGHAX is up 1.53% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VGHAX compounded at -0.53% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.64% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHAX charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHAX currently yields 1.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VGHAX and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7930 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHAX or VXUS?
VGHAX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHAX or VXUS?
Over the past year VGHAX returned +24.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGHAX annualized -2.64% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGHAX or VXUS?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VGHAX -33.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VGHAX and VXUS?
VGHAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHAX and VXUS?
VGHAX and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHAX or VXUS?
VGHAX yields 1.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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