VBK vs VIPIX
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VIPIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $12.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 3.54% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +17.33% | -0.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.87% | -3.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.09% | -0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | -4.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 6.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -24.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 12, 2003 |
VBK vs VIPIX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.87% while VIPIX returned -3.03%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.33% versus a loss of 0.86% for VIPIX.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.09% per year against -0.67% for VIPIX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.39% and -4.75% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.39% annualized vs -4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 6.7% for VIPIX. 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 -59.4% for VBK and -24.5% for VIPIX. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VIPIX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 3.54% for VIPIX.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VIPIX share 0 holdings out of 597 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, VBK or VIPIX?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VIPIX charges 0.07%. VBK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VIPIX?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.87% vs -3.03% for VIPIX, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VBK annualized +9.39% vs -4.75% for VIPIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VIPIX?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VIPIX -24.5%.
Should I hold both VBK and VIPIX?
VBK and VIPIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VIPIX?
VBK and VIPIX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VIPIX?
VBK yields 0.57% while VIPIX yields 3.54%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.