FXU vs. VHT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) and VHT (Vanguard Health Care ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index, while VHT is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXU returned 9.38%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for VHT. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FXU charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VHT.

Performance

FXU vs. VHT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXU achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly higher than VHT's -0.11% return. Over the past 10 years, FXU has underperformed VHT with an annualized return of 9.38%, while VHT has yielded a comparatively higher 9.87% annualized return.

FXU

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 17.67%
• 3Y*: 17.64%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

VHT

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 16.49%
• 3Y*: 7.19%
• 5Y*: 4.78%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

FXU vs. VHT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	8.19%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	17.67%	1.53%	11.67%	5.43%	0.98%
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF	-0.11%	15.46%	2.66%	2.52%	-5.60%	20.57%	18.29%	21.87%	5.58%	23.26%

Correlation

The correlation between FXU and VHT 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	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between FXU and VHT has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FXU vs. VHT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXU	VHT
Utilities	92.0%	-
Industrials	4.2%	0.0%
Energy	3.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

FXU vs. VHT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 39
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VHT

VHT Risk / Return Rank: 34
VHT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VHT Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VHT Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VHT Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VHT Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

FXU vs. VHT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT). 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.

	FXU	VHT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	1.09	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	1.71	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.19	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	1.53	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.17	3.81	+1.36

FXU vs. VHT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXU Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is comparable to the VHT Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXU and VHT, 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

FXU vs. VHT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXU drawdown since its inception was -49.00%, which is greater than VHT's maximum drawdown of -39.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXU and VHT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXU	VHT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.00%	-39.12%	-9.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.63%	-10.40%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.46%	-16.91%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.87%	-17.71%	-4.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.81%	-28.85%	-5.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.57%	-3.28%	-2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-5.99%	-1.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	4.19%	-0.97%

Volatility

FXU vs. VHT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) have volatilities of 5.01% and 4.88%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXU	VHT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.01%	4.88%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.33%	10.46%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	14.70%	-1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.61%	15.01%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.34%	16.97%	+1.37%

FXU vs. VHT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXU has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than VHT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXU vs. VHT - Dividend Comparison

FXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.16%, more than VHT's 1.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.16%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF	1.64%	1.61%	1.53%	1.36%	1.33%	1.14%	1.21%	1.89%	1.38%	1.31%	1.45%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXU and VHT in my portfolio?

FXU and VHT 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, FXU or VHT?

FXU has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to VHT (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXU dropped -49.00% vs VHT's -39.12%.

Which ETF is better, FXU or VHT?

On 10-year performance, VHT leads with 9.87% vs 9.38% for FXU. On fees, VHT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VHT has been the lower-risk option at 4.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXU or VHT?

Over the 10-year period, VHT has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 9.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXU or VHT?

VHT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXU or VHT?

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.16%, compared with 1.64% for VHT.

What is the main difference between FXU and VHT?

FXU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while VHT is Health & Biotech Equities. FXU tracks StrataQuant Utilities Index, while VHT tracks MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for FXU and 0.09% for VHT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 1.09), 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.