VLLU vs. MEDI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and MEDI (Harbor Health Care ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VLLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while MEDI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by Harbor. VLLU is passively managed, while MEDI is actively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 25.99% vs 18.27% for MEDI. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MEDI.

Performance

VLLU vs. MEDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLLU achieves a 11.69% return, which is significantly higher than MEDI's -4.02% return.

VLLU

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 6.81%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 14.52%
• 1Y: 25.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEDI

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: -0.93%
• YTD: -4.02%
• 6M: -4.83%
• 1Y: 18.27%
• 3Y*: 12.46%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VLLU vs. MEDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	11.69%	17.35%	2.68%
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	-4.02%	27.11%	-7.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and MEDI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.46

VLLU vs. MEDI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLLU	MEDI
Financial Services	27.0%	-
Technology	23.8%	-
Healthcare	13.6%	100.0%
Energy	9.4%	-
Industrials	7.3%	-
Communication Services	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. MEDI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 76
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 79

MEDI

MEDI Risk / Return Rank: 26
MEDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
MEDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
MEDI Omega Ratio Rank: 24
MEDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MEDI Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

VLLU vs. MEDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI). 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.

	VLLU	MEDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	0.93	+1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	1.46	+2.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.17	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.12	1.20	+2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.10	3.59	+11.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLLU vs. MEDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is higher than the MEDI Sharpe Ratio of 0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU and MEDI, 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

	VLLU	MEDI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	0.93	+1.45
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	0.74	+0.53

Drawdowns

VLLU vs. MEDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, smaller than the maximum MEDI drawdown of -19.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and MEDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	MEDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-19.24%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-15.34%	+9.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-8.01%	+8.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-4.28%	+1.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	5.10%	-3.37%

Volatility

VLLU vs. MEDI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) is 3.54%, while Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) has a volatility of 6.02%. This indicates that VLLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLLU	MEDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	6.02%	-2.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.20%	15.42%	-7.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.02%	19.82%	-8.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.85%	18.63%	-3.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.85%	18.63%	-3.78%

VLLU vs. MEDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than MEDI's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLLU vs. MEDI - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than MEDI's 0.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEDI Harbor Health Care ETF	0.29%	0.28%	0.54%	1.86%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.36%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and MEDI in my portfolio?

VLLU and MEDI have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLLU or MEDI?

MEDI has higher volatility (6.02%) compared to VLLU (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs MEDI's -19.24%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or MEDI?

On 1-year performance, VLLU leads with 25.99% vs 18.27% for MEDI. On fees, VLLU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, VLLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLLU or MEDI?

Over the 1-year period, VLLU has performed better with a 25.99% return vs 18.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or MEDI?

VLLU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MEDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VLLU or MEDI?

VLLU has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.29% for MEDI.

What is the main difference between VLLU and MEDI?

VLLU is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while MEDI is Health & Biotech Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.80% for MEDI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.93), 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.