VCSH vs VTIP
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
Which is better, VCSH or VTIP?
Each has led over a different period.
VCSH led over 1Y and 3Y, VTIP over 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VTIP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $52.0B | $19.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 4.16% |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 25 |
| YTD Return | +0.31% | +1.13%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.58%Best | +1.38% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.35%Best | +5.10% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.19% | +3.13%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 2.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -7.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,144 | $11,666Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Short Term Bond | - |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Oct 12, 2012 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 16, 2012 to Sep 18, 2026 (13.9 years).
VCSH vs VTIP growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.9 years both funds cover.
VCSH vs VTIP Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +1.58% while VTIP returned +1.38%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.31% versus a gain of 1.13% for VTIP.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.35% per year against +5.10% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are +2.19% and +3.13% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTIP has the edge at +1.51% annualized vs +1.01%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 2.7% 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 -12.9% for VCSH and -7.1% for VTIP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.47% against 4.16% for VTIP.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,545 holdings in VCSH and 24 in VTIP, totalling 62.8% and 89.6% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 1 positions appear in both.
1 positions in common, counted across the 1,545 positions we hold weights for in VCSH and 24 in VTIP, against full books of 3,023 and 25.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VCSH | Weight in VTIP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURVVanguard Market Liquidity Fund | 0.78% | 2.68% | 1.90% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VCSH and VTIP you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VTIP?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTIP charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VCSH or VTIP?
Over the past year VCSH returned +1.58% vs +1.38% for VTIP, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VCSH annualized +1.01% vs +1.51% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VTIP?
VCSH has been the more volatile fund at 2.7% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VTIP -7.1%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VTIP?
VCSH and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VTIP?
VCSH yields 4.47% while VTIP yields 4.16%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTIP better than VCSH?
VCSH led over 1Y and 3Y, VTIP over 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.