ETHSX vs. VHCIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ETHSX (Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund) and VHCIX (Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ETHSX returned 7.72%/yr vs 9.99%/yr for VHCIX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ETHSX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VHCIX.

Performance

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (ETHSX) and Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHCIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETHSX achieves a -6.02% return, which is significantly lower than VHCIX's -1.30% return. Over the past 10 years, ETHSX has underperformed VHCIX with an annualized return of 7.72%, while VHCIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.99% annualized return.

ETHSX

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: -6.02%
• 6M: -6.52%
• 1Y: 6.22%
• 3Y*: 3.49%
• 5Y*: 2.83%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

VHCIX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: -1.30%
• 6M: -1.74%
• 1Y: 17.73%
• 3Y*: 6.61%
• 5Y*: 4.46%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

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

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ETHSX Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund	-6.02%	10.23%	3.48%	5.67%	-9.41%	22.02%	13.04%	25.99%	5.87%	16.24%
VHCIX Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares	-1.30%	15.43%	2.64%	2.48%	-5.50%	20.56%	18.22%	21.97%	5.55%	23.35%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHSX and VHCIX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.92

The correlation between ETHSX and VHCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETHSX vs. VHCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHSX

ETHSX Risk / Return Rank: 6
ETHSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ETHSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ETHSX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ETHSX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VHCIX

VHCIX Risk / Return Rank: 21
VHCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
VHCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VHCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VHCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VHCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (ETHSX) and Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHCIX). 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.

	ETHSX	VHCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.42	1.22	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	1.90	-1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.21	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.53	1.72	-1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.21	4.24	-3.03

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.42, which is lower than the VHCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHSX and VHCIX, 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

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHSX drawdown since its inception was -90.06%, which is greater than VHCIX's maximum drawdown of -39.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHSX and VHCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHSX	VHCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.06%	-39.12%	-50.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.35%	-10.39%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.91%	-16.89%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.58%	-17.77%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.43%	-28.58%	+1.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.53%	-4.45%	-6.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.93%	-5.97%	-37.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.37%	4.21%	+1.16%

Volatility

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Volatility Comparison

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (ETHSX) has a higher volatility of 5.38% compared to Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHCIX) at 4.99%. This indicates that ETHSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VHCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHSX	VHCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	4.99%	+0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.91%	10.46%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	14.74%	+0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.99%	15.06%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.28%	16.96%	-0.68%

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHSX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VHCIX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETHSX vs. VHCIX - Dividend Comparison

ETHSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.84%, more than VHCIX's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ETHSX Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund	7.84%	7.36%	4.81%	2.48%	4.43%	8.25%	7.33%	5.39%	5.51%	2.82%	12.75%	9.70%
VHCIX Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.66%	1.61%	1.53%	1.36%	1.33%	1.19%	1.21%	1.89%	1.38%	1.31%	1.45%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHSX and VHCIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, ETHSX and VHCIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ETHSX or VHCIX?

ETHSX has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to VHCIX (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHSX dropped -90.06% vs VHCIX's -39.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VHCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs 0.42), 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.