VIITX vs VTIP
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class vs Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VTIP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 1185 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIITX | VTIP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $19.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 3.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,599 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | -1.89% | +1.89% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.35% | +2.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.33% | +5.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.29% | +3.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -7.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 1997 | Oct 12, 2012 |
VIITX vs VTIP Performance
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIITX returned -1.35% while VTIP returned +2.97%. Year to date, VIITX is down 1.89% versus a gain of 1.89% for VTIP.
Over three years, VIITX compounded at +0.33% per year against +5.46% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are -2.29% and +3.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTIP has the edge at +1.58% annualized vs -2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIITX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.2% 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 -15.0% for VIITX 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIITX charges 0.02% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIITX currently yields 4.56% against 3.60% for VTIP.
Holdings Overlap
VIITX and VTIP share 0 holdings out of 1208 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, VIITX or VTIP?
VIITX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VTIP charges 0.03%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIITX or VTIP?
Over the past year VIITX returned -1.35% vs +2.97% for VTIP, so VTIP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIITX annualized -2.29% vs +1.58% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIITX or VTIP?
VIITX has been the more volatile fund at 4.2% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: VIITX -15.0% vs VTIP -7.1%.
Should I hold both VIITX and VTIP?
VIITX and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIITX and VTIP?
VIITX and VTIP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1208 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIITX or VTIP?
VIITX yields 4.56% while VTIP yields 3.60%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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