VIHAX vs. VWAHX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VIHAX (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VWAHX (Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VIHAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VWAHX is a High Yield Muni fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VIHAX returned 11.37%/yr vs 2.92%/yr for VWAHX. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. VIHAX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VWAHX.

Performance

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIHAX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIHAX achieves a 11.46% return, which is significantly higher than VWAHX's 2.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VIHAX has outperformed VWAHX with an annualized return of 11.37%, while VWAHX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.92% annualized return.

VIHAX

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -0.33%
• YTD: 11.46%
• 6M: 11.23%
• 1Y: 28.86%
• 3Y*: 21.78%
• 5Y*: 12.42%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

VWAHX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 2.39%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 8.35%
• 3Y*: 5.29%
• 5Y*: 1.54%
• 10Y*: 2.92%

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

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIHAX Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.46%	38.01%	6.96%	16.81%	-6.88%	15.01%	-0.73%	20.03%	-12.38%	22.40%
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	2.39%	4.96%	3.98%	8.39%	-11.76%	3.36%	5.39%	9.48%	1.31%	7.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VIHAX and VWAHX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2016	-0.00

The correlation between VIHAX and VWAHX shifts across timeframes, from -0.00 (all time) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VIHAX vs. VWAHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIHAX

VIHAX Risk / Return Rank: 77
VIHAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VIHAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VIHAX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VIHAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VIHAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VWAHX

VWAHX Risk / Return Rank: 74
VWAHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VWAHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VWAHX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VWAHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VWAHX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIHAX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX). 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.

	VIHAX	VWAHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	2.54	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	4.10	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.65	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	2.68	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	9.74	+2.52

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIHAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the VWAHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIHAX and VWAHX, 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

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIHAX drawdown since its inception was -38.80%, roughly equal to the maximum VWAHX drawdown of -40.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIHAX and VWAHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIHAX	VWAHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.80%	-40.26%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-3.05%	-6.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.29%	-7.12%	-5.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.92%	-17.32%	-6.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.80%	-17.32%	-21.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.95%	-0.09%	-1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-6.92%	+0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	0.84%	+1.66%

Volatility

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIHAX) has a higher volatility of 3.60% compared to Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) at 0.90%. This indicates that VIHAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWAHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIHAX	VWAHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	0.90%	+2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	2.38%	+7.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.15%	3.22%	+8.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.78%	4.80%	+8.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.62%	4.63%	+10.99%

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIHAX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VWAHX's 0.17% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VIHAX vs. VWAHX - Dividend Comparison

VIHAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.63%, less than VWAHX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VIHAX Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.63%	3.69%	4.85%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	5.63%	4.28%	3.16%	2.37%	0.00%
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	4.05%	4.95%	4.38%	3.53%	3.36%	2.98%	3.31%	3.94%	3.78%	3.68%	3.75%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIHAX and VWAHX in my portfolio?

VIHAX and VWAHX have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIHAX or VWAHX?

VIHAX has higher volatility (3.60%) compared to VWAHX (0.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIHAX dropped -38.80% vs VWAHX's -40.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWAHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 2.53), 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.