VBR vs VTIP
VBR vs VTIP
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
Quick Verdict
VTIP has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VTIP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $19.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 3.60% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +17.75% | +1.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.74% | +3.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.64% | +5.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +3.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -7.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Oct 12, 2012 |
VBR vs VTIP Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% while VTIP returned +3.01%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.75% versus a gain of 1.87% for VTIP.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.64% per year against +5.37% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +3.39% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.03% annualized vs +1.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% compared with 2.4% for VTIP. 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 -64.0% for VBR and -7.1% for VTIP. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBR currently yields 2.23% against 3.60% for VTIP.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VTIP share 0 holdings out of 832 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, VBR or VTIP?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTIP charges 0.03%. VTIP is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VTIP?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% vs +3.01% for VTIP, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +1.58% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VTIP?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VTIP -7.1%.
Should I hold both VBR and VTIP?
VBR and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VTIP?
VBR and VTIP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 832 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VTIP?
VBR yields 2.23% while VTIP yields 3.60%, so VTIP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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