FHLC vs. VEA

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

FHLC (Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FHLC is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Health Care Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FHLC returned 9.68%/yr vs 9.92%/yr for VEA. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FHLC charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

FHLC vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FHLC achieves a 4.96% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 11.59% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FHLC having a 9.68% annualized return and VEA not far ahead at 9.92%.

FHLC

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: 7.21%
• 6M: 4.29%
• YTD: 4.96%
• 1Y: 25.39%
• 3Y*: 7.75%
• 5Y*: 5.05%
• 10Y*: 9.68%
• ALL TIME*: 10.60%

VEA

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -4.26%
• 6M: 7.02%
• YTD: 11.59%
• 1Y: 25.76%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 9.55%
• 10Y*: 9.92%
• ALL TIME*: 5.03%

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

FHLC vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FHLC Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF	4.96%	15.42%	2.48%	2.58%	-5.55%	20.39%	18.13%	21.94%	4.71%	23.34%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	11.59%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FHLC and VEA is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2013	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between FHLC and VEA has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FHLC vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FHLC	VEA
Healthcare	99.6%	7.9%
Technology	0.1%	18.4%
Financial Services	0.0%	23.1%
Industrials	0.0%	17.9%
Basic Materials	-	6.9%
Communication Services	-	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.3%
Energy	-	4.5%
Real Estate	-	2.5%
Utilities	-	3.1%

Return for Risk

FHLC vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHLC

FHLC Risk / Return Rank: 65
FHLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FHLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FHLC Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FHLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FHLC Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 61
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

FHLC vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	FHLC	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.52	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.12	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.28	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.23	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.06	8.35	-2.29

FHLC vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FHLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FHLC and VEA, 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

FHLC vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHLC drawdown since its inception was -28.76%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHLC and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHLC	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.76%	-60.68%	+31.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-11.63%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	-13.45%	-3.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.73%	-29.71%	+11.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.76%	-35.73%	+6.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.39%	-4.37%	+0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.17%	-13.22%	+8.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.20%	3.09%	+1.11%

Volatility

FHLC vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) has a higher volatility of 5.87% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 5.31%. This indicates that FHLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FHLC	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	5.31%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.57%	15.14%	-3.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.35%	17.09%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.21%	16.78%	-1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.87%	17.18%	-0.31%

FHLC vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FHLC has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FHLC vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

FHLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%, less than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FHLC Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF	1.32%	1.40%	1.51%	1.40%	1.30%	1.16%	1.45%	1.18%	1.38%	1.38%	1.40%	2.07%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHLC and VEA in my portfolio?

FHLC and VEA have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FHLC or VEA?

FHLC has higher volatility (5.87%) compared to VEA (5.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FHLC dropped -28.76% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, FHLC or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 9.92% vs 9.68% for FHLC. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 5.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FHLC or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 9.92% return vs 9.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FHLC or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for FHLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FHLC or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.32% for FHLC.

What is the main difference between FHLC and VEA?

FHLC is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. FHLC tracks MSCI USA IMI Health Care Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FHLC and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FHLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.52), 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.