VEA vs VIPIX
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3,918 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VIPIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $230.9B | $12.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.57% | 3.54% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +17.17% | -1.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.88% | -3.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71% | -0.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | -4.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 6.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -24.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Dec 12, 2003 |
VEA vs VIPIX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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 VEA returned +28.88% while VIPIX returned -3.04%. Year to date, VEA is up 17.17% versus a loss of 1.07% for VIPIX.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.71% per year against -0.43% for VIPIX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.20% and -4.84% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.18% annualized vs -4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -62.9% for VEA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA 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, VEA currently yields 2.57% against 3.54% for VIPIX.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VIPIX share 0 holdings out of 3063 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, VEA or VIPIX?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIPIX charges 0.07%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VIPIX?
Over the past year VEA returned +28.88% vs -3.04% for VIPIX, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEA annualized +3.18% vs -4.84% for VIPIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VIPIX?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VIPIX -24.5%.
Should I hold both VEA and VIPIX?
VEA and VIPIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VIPIX?
VEA and VIPIX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3063 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VIPIX?
VEA yields 2.57% while VIPIX yields 3.54%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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