Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTIPAVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.10%0.03%
AUM$18M$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.65%1.07%
Holdings63,543
YTD Return+4.34%+14.20%
1Y Return+5.32%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)1.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-0.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyNorthern Trust Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 1, 2025May 24, 2001

TIPA vs VTI Performance

Northern Trust 2030 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TIPA returned +5.32% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, TIPA is up 4.34% 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 1.9% for TIPA. 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 -0.8% for TIPA 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TIPA charges 0.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $3 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TIPA currently yields 2.65% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TIPA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, TIPA or VTI?

TIPA has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TIPA or VTI?

Over the past year TIPA returned +5.32% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TIPA or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.9% for TIPA. Worst drawdown: TIPA -0.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both TIPA and VTI?

TIPA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TIPA and VTI?

TIPA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, TIPA or VTI?

TIPA yields 2.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TIPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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