DEEIX vs. DLHIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DEEIX (Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund) and DLHIX (Delaware Healthcare Fund) are both mutual funds - DEEIX is a Long-Term Bond fund managed by Delaware Funds by Macquarie, while DLHIX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund managed by Delaware Funds by Macquarie. Over the past 10 years, DEEIX returned 2.04%/yr vs 10.09%/yr for DLHIX. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. DEEIX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for DLHIX.

Performance

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund (DEEIX) and Delaware Healthcare Fund (DLHIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEEIX achieves a 1.29% return, which is significantly higher than DLHIX's -4.36% return. Over the past 10 years, DEEIX has underperformed DLHIX with an annualized return of 2.04%, while DLHIX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.09% annualized return.

DEEIX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 1.29%
• 6M: 0.60%
• 1Y: 8.06%
• 3Y*: 4.07%
• 5Y*: -2.11%
• 10Y*: 2.04%

DLHIX

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -2.21%
• YTD: -4.36%
• 6M: -4.03%
• 1Y: 21.49%
• 3Y*: 11.04%
• 5Y*: 6.91%
• 10Y*: 10.09%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DEEIX Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund	1.29%	6.26%	-1.29%	9.21%	-26.47%	-0.70%	15.17%	22.02%	-7.69%	12.61%
DLHIX Delaware Healthcare Fund	-4.36%	22.27%	8.76%	5.42%	-0.99%	5.48%	12.02%	31.82%	-0.59%	32.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DEEIX and DLHIX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2007	-0.10

The correlation between DEEIX and DLHIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (all time) to 0.31 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DEEIX vs. DLHIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DEEIX

DEEIX Risk / Return Rank: 16
DEEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
DEEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
DEEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
DEEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
DEEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

DLHIX

DLHIX Risk / Return Rank: 23
DLHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
DLHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
DLHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
DLHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
DLHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund (DEEIX) and Delaware Healthcare Fund (DLHIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DEEIX	DLHIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.29	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	1.92	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.22	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	2.06	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.23	6.24	-2.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEEIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the DLHIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEEIX and DLHIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DEEIX	DLHIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	1.29	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.18	0.44	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19	0.56	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.70	-0.06

Drawdowns

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEEIX drawdown since its inception was -34.48%, roughly equal to the maximum DLHIX drawdown of -34.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEEIX and DLHIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEEIX	DLHIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.48%	-34.64%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.14%	-10.30%	+5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.53%	-19.79%	+7.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.48%	-19.79%	-14.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.48%	-25.60%	-8.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.41%	-7.85%	-8.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.44%	-5.56%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	3.39%	-1.40%

Volatility

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund (DEEIX) is 2.46%, while Delaware Healthcare Fund (DLHIX) has a volatility of 4.73%. This indicates that DEEIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DLHIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEEIX	DLHIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.46%	4.73%	-2.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.41%	11.97%	-6.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.66%	16.50%	-8.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.62%	15.96%	-4.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.60%	17.93%	-7.33%

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEEIX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than DLHIX's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEEIX vs. DLHIX - Dividend Comparison

DEEIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, less than DLHIX's 11.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEEIX Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund	5.17%	5.05%	4.90%	3.95%	4.35%	7.87%	10.28%	4.79%	4.56%	3.74%	3.75%	4.62%
DLHIX Delaware Healthcare Fund	11.66%	11.16%	14.00%	6.97%	9.16%	5.41%	6.19%	7.63%	2.11%	3.23%	8.20%	7.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEEIX and DLHIX in my portfolio?

DEEIX and DLHIX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEEIX or DLHIX?

DLHIX has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to DEEIX (2.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEEIX dropped -34.48% vs DLHIX's -34.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLHIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.