VGHAX vs. PDFDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGHAX (Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares) and PDFDX (Perkins Discovery Fund) are both Health & Biotech Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VGHAX returned 8.70%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for PDFDX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGHAX charges 0.25%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for PDFDX.

Performance

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) and Perkins Discovery Fund (PDFDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGHAX achieves a -4.65% return, which is significantly lower than PDFDX's 1.98% return. Over the past 10 years, VGHAX has underperformed PDFDX with an annualized return of 8.70%, while PDFDX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.82% annualized return.

VGHAX

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: -1.39%
• YTD: -4.65%
• 6M: -4.26%
• 1Y: 16.26%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

PDFDX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 5.46%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.97%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 8.77%
• 5Y*: -4.76%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGHAX Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares	-4.65%	19.72%	9.10%	5.51%	-1.00%	12.82%	12.62%	22.99%	1.07%	19.64%
PDFDX Perkins Discovery Fund	1.98%	9.94%	19.19%	10.77%	-39.93%	2.11%	62.16%	15.01%	22.19%	11.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VGHAX and PDFDX is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2001	0.57

The correlation between VGHAX and PDFDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.45 (1 year) to 0.60 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGHAX vs. PDFDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGHAX

VGHAX Risk / Return Rank: 17
VGHAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VGHAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VGHAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VGHAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VGHAX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

PDFDX

PDFDX Risk / Return Rank: 19
PDFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
PDFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
PDFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
PDFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
PDFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) and Perkins Discovery Fund (PDFDX). 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.

	VGHAX	PDFDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	1.29	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	2.00	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.22	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	1.52	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.63	4.28	+0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGHAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is comparable to the PDFDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGHAX and PDFDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGHAX	PDFDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.08	1.29	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	-0.16	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.34	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.38	+0.22

Drawdowns

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGHAX drawdown since its inception was -36.85%, smaller than the maximum PDFDX drawdown of -67.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGHAX and PDFDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGHAX	PDFDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.85%	-67.44%	+30.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-22.11%	+12.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.05%	-31.75%	+15.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.92%	-59.95%	+43.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.17%	-62.70%	+35.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.60%	-34.65%	+27.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-25.72%	+20.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	7.80%	-4.36%

Volatility

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is 3.78%, while Perkins Discovery Fund (PDFDX) has a volatility of 6.50%. This indicates that VGHAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PDFDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGHAX	PDFDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	6.50%	-2.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.35%	18.09%	-7.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.74%	26.02%	-11.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.12%	29.80%	-11.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.58%	28.96%	-11.38%

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGHAX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PDFDX's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGHAX vs. PDFDX - Dividend Comparison

VGHAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.00%, less than PDFDX's 9.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PDFDX Perkins Discovery Fund	9.60%	4.25%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	31.11%	1.71%	0.00%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGHAX Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares	7.00%	6.07%	22.84%	7.22%	5.49%	7.05%	8.02%	11.87%	9.15%	7.36%	8.60%	8.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGHAX and PDFDX in my portfolio?

VGHAX and PDFDX have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGHAX or PDFDX?

PDFDX has higher volatility (6.50%) compared to VGHAX (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGHAX dropped -36.85% vs PDFDX's -67.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PDFDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.08), 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.