PGHAX vs. VHCIX
PGHAX (Putnam Global Health Care Fund) and VHCIX (Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, PGHAX returned 6.28%/yr vs 4.52%/yr for VHCIX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PGHAX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VHCIX.
Performance
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PGHAX having a -2.28% return and VHCIX slightly higher at -2.19%.
PGHAX
- 1D
- -1.09%
- 1M
- -1.42%
- YTD
- -2.28%
- 6M
- -2.44%
- 1Y
- 16.08%
- 3Y*
- 7.10%
- 5Y*
- 6.28%
- 10Y*
- —
VHCIX
- 1D
- -0.57%
- 1M
- 0.42%
- YTD
- -2.19%
- 6M
- -2.89%
- 1Y
- 16.75%
- 3Y*
- 6.29%
- 5Y*
- 4.52%
- 10Y*
- 9.71%
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PGHAX Putnam Global Health Care Fund | -2.28% | 15.58% | 1.69% | 9.48% | -4.39% | 19.99% | 13.35% |
VHCIX Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares | -2.19% | 15.43% | 2.64% | 2.48% | -5.50% | 20.56% | 15.06% |
Correlation
The correlation between PGHAX and VHCIX is 0.96 - 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 | 0.96 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.92 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.93 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 1, 2020 | 0.93 |
The correlation between PGHAX and VHCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
PGHAX vs. VHCIX — Risk / Return Rank
PGHAX
VHCIX
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Global Health Care Fund (PGHAX) 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.
| PGHAX | VHCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.04 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.05 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.19 | 1.20 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.60 | 1.57 | +0.03 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.96 | 3.87 | +0.09 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PGHAX drawdown since its inception was -20.52%, smaller than the maximum VHCIX drawdown of -39.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGHAX and VHCIX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| PGHAX | VHCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.52% | -39.12% | +18.60% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.68% | -10.39% | +0.71% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -20.52% | -16.89% | -3.63% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.52% | -17.77% | -2.75% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -28.58% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.35% | -5.31% | -1.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.64% | -5.97% | +0.33% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.90% | 4.20% | -0.30% |
Volatility
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Volatility Comparison
Putnam Global Health Care Fund (PGHAX) and Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHCIX) have volatilities of 4.94% and 4.93%, 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| PGHAX | VHCIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.94% | 4.93% | +0.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.39% | 10.43% | -0.04% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.45% | 14.70% | -0.25% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.45% | 15.06% | -0.61% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.43% | 16.95% | -2.52% |
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
PGHAX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VHCIX's 0.10% expense ratio.
Dividends
PGHAX vs. VHCIX - Dividend Comparison
PGHAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, more than VHCIX's 1.67% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PGHAX Putnam Global Health Care Fund | 1.90% | 1.86% | 4.71% | 5.33% | 7.48% | 11.17% | 8.93% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VHCIX Vanguard Health Care Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.67% | 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
With a correlation of 0.96, PGHAX 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.
PGHAX has higher volatility (4.94%) compared to VHCIX (4.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGHAX dropped -20.52% vs VHCIX's -39.12%.
VHCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 1.07), 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.
Find the right allocation for PGHAX and VHCIX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer