PPH vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

PPH (VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PPH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PPH returned 8.39%/yr vs 10.23%/yr for VXUS. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PPH charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

PPH vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPH achieves a 2.96% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 15.42% return. Over the past 10 years, PPH has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 8.39%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.23% annualized return.

PPH

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 4.48%
• YTD: 2.96%
• 6M: 3.80%
• 1Y: 18.69%
• 3Y*: 12.38%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: 8.39%

VXUS

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

PPH vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	2.96%	22.00%	8.05%	6.95%	2.64%	17.79%	5.49%	19.39%	-5.89%	15.23%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.42%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between PPH and VXUS 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	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.61

Over the past year, the correlation between PPH and VXUS has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.61, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PPH vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PPH	VXUS
Healthcare	100.0%	7.1%
Industrials	0.1%	16.1%
Basic Materials	-	7.6%
Communication Services	-	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Energy	-	5.2%
Financial Services	-	22.3%
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Technology	-	18.1%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

PPH vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPH

PPH Risk / Return Rank: 34
PPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
PPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PPH Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
PPH Martin Ratio Rank: 32

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

PPH vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	PPH	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	2.01	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	2.73	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.37	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	2.86	-1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.30	11.00	-6.70

PPH vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPH Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPH and VXUS, 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

PPH vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPH drawdown since its inception was -51.45%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPH and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPH	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.45%	-35.97%	-15.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	-11.27%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-13.58%	-4.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.26%	-29.44%	+9.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.70%	-35.97%	+6.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.90%	0.00%	-4.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.29%	-8.20%	-9.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.45%	2.93%	+1.52%

Volatility

PPH vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is 5.95%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that PPH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPH	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.95%	6.87%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.18%	14.09%	-1.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.66%	16.11%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.14%	16.23%	-1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	17.21%	-0.21%

PPH vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPH has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPH vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

PPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, less than VXUS's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PPH VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF	2.05%	1.78%	1.98%	2.09%	1.55%	1.62%	1.66%	1.77%	1.97%	1.92%	2.43%	1.93%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPH and VXUS in my portfolio?

PPH and VXUS 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, PPH or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to PPH (5.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPH dropped -51.45% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, PPH or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 10.23% vs 8.39% for PPH. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, PPH has been the lower-risk option at 5.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPH or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 10.23% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPH or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for PPH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PPH or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 2.05% for PPH.

What is the main difference between PPH and VXUS?

PPH is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. PPH tracks MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for PPH and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 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.