MRK vs. VHT
Compare and contrast key facts about Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT).
VHT is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: MRK or VHT.
Key characteristics
| MRK | VHT | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 17.70% | 3.24% |
| 1Y Return | 11.61% | 7.23% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 24.52% | 4.04% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 14.25% | 10.32% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 12.28% | 11.03% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.62 | 0.59 |
| Daily Std Dev | 17.35% | 10.82% |
| Max Drawdown | -68.63% | -39.12% |
| Current Drawdown | -3.36% | -4.63% |
Correlation
The correlation between MRK and VHT is 0.64, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
MRK vs. VHT - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, MRK achieves a 17.70% return, which is significantly higher than VHT's 3.24% return. Over the past 10 years, MRK has outperformed VHT with an annualized return of 12.28%, while VHT has yielded a comparatively lower 11.03% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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Risk-Adjusted Performance
MRK vs. VHT - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) 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.
Dividends
MRK vs. VHT - Dividend Comparison
MRK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, more than VHT's 1.34% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MRK Merck & Co., Inc. | 2.35% | 2.72% | 2.52% | 3.41% | 3.03% | 2.48% | 2.60% | 3.36% | 3.14% | 3.42% | 3.11% | 3.45% |
VHT Vanguard Health Care ETF | 1.34% | 1.36% | 1.33% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.89% | 1.38% | 1.31% | 1.45% | 1.22% | 1.02% | 1.12% |
Drawdowns
MRK vs. VHT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MRK drawdown since its inception was -68.63%, which is greater than VHT's maximum drawdown of -39.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRK and VHT. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
MRK vs. VHT - Volatility Comparison
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a higher volatility of 3.83% compared to Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) at 2.97%. This indicates that MRK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VHT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.