VCSH vs VIPIX
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VCSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCSH offers more diversification with 3,023 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VIPIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $52.0B | $12.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 5.21% | |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | -0.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.19% | -2.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.74% | +0.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.39% | -4.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 6.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -24.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Dec 12, 2003 |
VCSH vs VIPIX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) 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 VCSH returned +3.19% while VIPIX returned -2.41%. Year to date, VCSH is up 1.13% versus a loss of 0.53% for VIPIX.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.74% per year against +0.00% for VIPIX; over five years the annualized figures are +2.39% and -4.69% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.31% annualized vs -4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIPIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.7% compared with 2.6% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VIPIX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.46% against 5.21% for VIPIX.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VIPIX share 0 holdings out of 612 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, VCSH or VIPIX?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIPIX charges 0.07%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VIPIX?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.19% vs -2.41% for VIPIX, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VCSH annualized +1.31% vs -4.69% for VIPIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VIPIX?
VIPIX has been the more volatile fund at 6.7% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VIPIX -24.5%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VIPIX?
VCSH and VIPIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VIPIX?
VCSH and VIPIX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 612 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VIPIX?
VCSH yields 4.46% while VIPIX yields 5.21%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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