DEGGX vs. DLHIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DEGGX (Delaware Strategic Income Fund) and DLHIX (Delaware Healthcare Fund) are both mutual funds - DEGGX is a Multisector Bonds 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, DEGGX returned 3.71%/yr vs 11.39%/yr for DLHIX. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. DEGGX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for DLHIX.

Performance

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Strategic Income Fund (DEGGX) 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, DEGGX achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly higher than DLHIX's -0.04% return. Over the past 10 years, DEGGX has underperformed DLHIX with an annualized return of 3.71%, while DLHIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.39% annualized return.

DEGGX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 1.57%
• 1Y: 6.12%
• 3Y*: 7.00%
• 5Y*: 2.48%
• 10Y*: 3.71%

DLHIX

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: -0.04%
• 6M: -0.79%
• 1Y: 27.14%
• 3Y*: 12.48%
• 5Y*: 7.34%
• 10Y*: 11.39%

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

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DEGGX Delaware Strategic Income Fund	0.79%	7.92%	6.56%	8.76%	-10.49%	1.16%	10.12%	13.63%	-4.11%	6.72%
DLHIX Delaware Healthcare Fund	-0.04%	22.27%	8.76%	5.42%	-0.99%	5.48%	12.02%	31.82%	-0.59%	32.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DEGGX and DLHIX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2007	-0.01

The correlation between DEGGX and DLHIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (all time) to 0.30 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DEGGX vs. DLHIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEGGX

DEGGX Risk / Return Rank: 72
DEGGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DEGGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DEGGX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DEGGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
DEGGX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DLHIX

DLHIX Risk / Return Rank: 39
DLHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DLHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DLHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DLHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
DLHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Strategic Income Fund (DEGGX) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DEGGX	DLHIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.64	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	2.40	+1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.28	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	2.68	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.78	7.74	+4.05

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEGGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the DLHIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEGGX 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.

Drawdowns

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEGGX drawdown since its inception was -16.81%, smaller than the maximum DLHIX drawdown of -34.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEGGX and DLHIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEGGX	DLHIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.81%	-34.64%	+17.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.43%	-10.30%	+7.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.86%	-19.79%	+15.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.07%	-19.79%	+3.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.81%	-25.60%	+8.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-3.69%	+3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.73%	-5.55%	+3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.53%	3.55%	-3.02%

Volatility

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Delaware Strategic Income Fund (DEGGX) is 0.84%, while Delaware Healthcare Fund (DLHIX) has a volatility of 5.32%. This indicates that DEGGX 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

	DEGGX	DLHIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.84%	5.32%	-4.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.22%	12.27%	-10.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.79%	16.84%	-14.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.11%	16.02%	-11.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.15%	17.95%	-13.80%

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEGGX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than DLHIX's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEGGX vs. DLHIX - Dividend Comparison

DEGGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.12%, less than DLHIX's 11.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEGGX Delaware Strategic Income Fund	6.12%	6.09%	5.91%	4.46%	4.60%	3.78%	4.14%	5.41%	5.32%	4.91%	2.54%	2.77%
DLHIX Delaware Healthcare Fund	11.16%	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 DEGGX and DLHIX in my portfolio?

DEGGX and DLHIX have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEGGX or DLHIX?

DLHIX has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to DEGGX (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEGGX dropped -16.81% vs DLHIX's -34.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEGGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.64), 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.