VGSH vs VTIP
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
Which is better, VGSH or VTIP?
Each has led over a different period.
VGSH led over 1Y, VTIP over 3Y, 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 | VGSH | VTIP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $34.7B | $19.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.82% | 4.16% |
| Holdings | 94 | 25 |
| YTD Return | +0.48% | +1.13%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.65%Best | +1.38% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +5.10%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.82% | +3.13%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5%Best | 2.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7%Best | -7.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,944 | $11,666Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Short Term Government 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).
VGSH 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.
VGSH vs VTIP Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) 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 VGSH returned +1.65% while VTIP returned +1.38%. Year to date, VGSH is up 0.48% versus a gain of 1.13% for VTIP.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.11% per year against +5.10% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are +1.82% and +3.13% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTIP has the edge at +1.51% annualized vs +0.73%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTIP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 2.4% compared with 1.5% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH 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 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.82% against 4.16% for VTIP.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 71 holdings in VGSH and 24 in VTIP, totalling 76.6% 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 71 positions we hold weights for in VGSH and 24 in VTIP, against full books of 94 and 25.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGSH | Weight in VTIP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURVVanguard Market Liquidity Fund | 0.40% | 2.68% | 2.28% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGSH 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, VGSH or VTIP?
VGSH 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, VGSH or VTIP?
Over the past year VGSH returned +1.65% vs +1.38% for VTIP, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs +1.51% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VTIP?
VTIP has been the more volatile fund at 2.4% annualized versus 1.5% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VTIP -7.1%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VTIP?
VGSH and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, 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, VGSH or VTIP?
VGSH yields 3.82% while VTIP yields 4.16%, so VTIP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTIP better than VGSH?
VGSH led over 1Y, VTIP over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.