VWEHX vs. VWAHX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWEHX (Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares) and VWAHX (Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VWEHX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VWAHX is a High Yield Muni fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWEHX returned 5.12%/yr vs 2.99%/yr for VWAHX. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VWEHX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VWAHX.

Performance

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares (VWEHX) 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, VWEHX achieves a 0.97% return, which is significantly lower than VWAHX's 2.49% return. Over the past 10 years, VWEHX has outperformed VWAHX with an annualized return of 5.12%, while VWAHX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.99% annualized return.

VWEHX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.97%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 6.43%
• 3Y*: 8.03%
• 5Y*: 4.01%
• 10Y*: 5.12%

VWAHX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.93%
• 1Y: 8.45%
• 3Y*: 5.43%
• 5Y*: 1.53%
• 10Y*: 2.99%

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

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWEHX Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares	0.97%	9.38%	6.33%	11.66%	-9.04%	2.97%	5.30%	15.81%	-2.93%	7.05%
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	2.49%	4.96%	3.98%	8.39%	-11.76%	3.36%	5.39%	9.48%	1.31%	7.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VWEHX and VWAHX is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1980	0.32

The correlation between VWEHX and VWAHX shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (all time) to 0.53 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VWEHX vs. VWAHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWEHX

VWEHX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VWEHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VWEHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VWEHX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VWEHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VWEHX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VWAHX

VWAHX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VWAHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VWAHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VWAHX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
VWAHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VWAHX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares (VWEHX) 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.

	VWEHX	VWAHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.63	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	4.26	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.68	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.78	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	10.11	+3.22

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWEHX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VWAHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWEHX 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

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWEHX drawdown since its inception was -30.17%, smaller than the maximum VWAHX drawdown of -40.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWEHX and VWAHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWEHX	VWAHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.17%	-40.26%	+10.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.52%	-3.05%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.33%	-7.12%	+3.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.83%	-17.32%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.69%	-17.32%	-2.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	0.00%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-6.92%	+2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.50%	0.84%	-0.34%

Volatility

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares (VWEHX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) have volatilities of 0.87% and 0.88%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VWEHX	VWAHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.87%	0.88%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.60%	2.38%	+0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.27%	3.22%	+0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.91%	4.80%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.26%	4.63%	+0.63%

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWEHX 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

VWEHX vs. VWAHX - Dividend Comparison

VWEHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.27%, more than VWAHX's 4.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	4.04%	4.95%	4.38%	3.53%	3.36%	2.98%	3.31%	3.94%	3.78%	3.68%	3.75%	3.67%
VWEHX Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares	6.27%	6.15%	6.11%	5.68%	5.11%	3.43%	4.62%	5.24%	5.94%	5.29%	5.41%	6.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWEHX and VWAHX in my portfolio?

VWEHX and VWAHX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWEHX or VWAHX?

VWAHX has higher volatility (0.88%) compared to VWEHX (0.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWEHX dropped -30.17% vs VWAHX's -40.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWAHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.03), 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.