Health Care Depth or Global Industry Reach? VHT vs. IXJ

Choosing between VHT and IXJ hinges on geographic focus, as IXJ offers global exposure at a higher cost. VHT's expense ratio is 0.09%, far lower than IXJ's 0.40%. IXJ provides exposure to global healthcare equities with 114 holdings, including Lilly at 11.42%, J&J at 7.11%, and AbbVie at 4.94%, and it launched in 2001.

VHT holds about 411 stocks, led by Lilly at 12.15%, J&J at 8.84%, and AbbVie at 6.04%, since its 2004 launch, offering broader domestic coverage. Trailing-12-month dividends run $1.36 per IXJ share and $4.70 per VHT share, and the different fees and geographic mandates shape long-term results.