Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. PIPE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: PIPEMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPIPEVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.03%
AUM$65M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.75%1.07%
Holdings283,543
YTD Return+21.47%+14.20%
1Y Return+25.10%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)14.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 20, 2025May 24, 2001

PIPE vs VTI Performance

Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIPE returned +25.10% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PIPE is up 21.47% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.8% for PIPE. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -15.7% for PIPE and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PIPE charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIPE currently yields 3.75% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

PIPE and VTI share 9 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PIPEWeight in VTIDifference
TRGP7.89%0.08%7.81%
WMB6.08%0.12%5.96%
OKE4.81%0.08%4.73%
LNGProProPro
KMIProProPro
KGSProProPro
AMProProPro
DTMProProPro
AROCProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PIPE or VTI?

PIPE has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PIPE or VTI?

Over the past year PIPE returned +25.10% vs +24.16% for VTI, so PIPE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIPE annualized +14.80% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PIPE or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.8% for PIPE. Worst drawdown: PIPE -15.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PIPE and VTI?

PIPE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PIPE and VTI?

PIPE and VTI share 9 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PIPE or VTI?

PIPE yields 3.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PIPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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