VGIT vs VTIP
VGIT vs VTIP
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
Quick Verdict
VTIP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGIT offers more diversification with 84 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VTIP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $19.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 3.60% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +1.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +3.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +5.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +3.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -7.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Oct 12, 2012 |
VGIT vs VTIP Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) 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 VGIT returned +1.32% while VTIP returned +3.01%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a gain of 1.87% for VTIP.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +5.37% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +3.39% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTIP has the edge at +1.58% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.3% 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 -17.2% for VGIT 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.84% against 3.60% for VTIP.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VTIP share 0 holdings out of 107 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, VGIT or VTIP?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTIP charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VTIP?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% vs +3.01% for VTIP, so VTIP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs +1.58% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VTIP?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VTIP -7.1%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VTIP?
VGIT and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VTIP?
VGIT and VTIP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VTIP?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VTIP yields 3.60%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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