MEDI vs. VLLU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MEDI (Harbor Health Care ETF) and VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MEDI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by Harbor, while VLLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index. MEDI is actively managed, while VLLU is passively managed. Over the past year, MEDI returned 23.71% vs 25.53% for VLLU. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MEDI charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for VLLU.

Performance

MEDI vs. VLLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) and Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEDI achieves a 3.97% return, which is significantly lower than VLLU's 12.18% return.

MEDI

• 1D: 2.55%
• 1M: 5.41%
• YTD: 3.97%
• 6M: 2.41%
• 1Y: 23.71%
• 3Y*: 15.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VLLU

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 12.18%
• 6M: 10.39%
• 1Y: 25.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEDI vs. VLLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	3.97%	27.11%	-7.98%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	12.18%	17.35%	1.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MEDI and VLLU is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2024	0.47

MEDI vs. VLLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MEDI	VLLU
Healthcare	100.0%	13.1%
Basic Materials	-	3.7%
Communication Services	-	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	7.3%
Financial Services	-	22.2%
Industrials	-	9.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	26.6%
Utilities	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

MEDI vs. VLLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEDI

MEDI Risk / Return Rank: 35
MEDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MEDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MEDI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
MEDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MEDI Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 82
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

MEDI vs. VLLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) and Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU). 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.

	MEDI	VLLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.28	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	3.29	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.40	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	4.05	-2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.53	14.65	-10.12

MEDI vs. VLLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the VLLU Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEDI and VLLU, 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

MEDI vs. VLLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEDI drawdown since its inception was -19.24%, which is greater than VLLU's maximum drawdown of -16.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEDI and VLLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEDI	VLLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.24%	-16.62%	-2.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.34%	-6.33%	-9.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-0.49%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-2.40%	-1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.25%	1.75%	+3.50%

Volatility

MEDI vs. VLLU - Volatility Comparison

Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) has a higher volatility of 6.78% compared to Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) at 3.64%. This indicates that MEDI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VLLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEDI	VLLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	3.64%	+3.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.75%	8.50%	+7.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.26%	11.29%	+8.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.71%	14.82%	+3.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.71%	14.82%	+3.89%

MEDI vs. VLLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEDI has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VLLU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEDI vs. VLLU - Dividend Comparison

MEDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than VLLU's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	0.27%	0.28%	0.54%	1.86%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.35%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEDI and VLLU in my portfolio?

MEDI and VLLU have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEDI or VLLU?

MEDI has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to VLLU (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEDI dropped -19.24% vs VLLU's -16.62%.

Which ETF is better, MEDI or VLLU?

On 1-year performance, VLLU leads with 25.53% vs 23.71% for MEDI. On fees, VLLU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, VLLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEDI or VLLU?

Over the 1-year period, VLLU has performed better with a 25.53% return vs 23.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEDI or VLLU?

VLLU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MEDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEDI or VLLU?

VLLU has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.27% for MEDI.

What is the main difference between MEDI and VLLU?

MEDI is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while VLLU is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for MEDI and 0.25% for VLLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.18), 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.