VIITX vs VXF
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIITX | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 2,599 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | -1.66% | +15.71% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.16% | +23.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.81% | +19.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.27% | +7.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 1997 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VIITX vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIITX returned -1.16% while VXF returned +23.93%. Year to date, VIITX is down 1.66% versus a gain of 15.71% for VXF.
Over three years, VIITX compounded at +0.81% per year against +19.90% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -2.27% and +7.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.01% annualized vs -2.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 4.2% for VIITX. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIITX charges 0.02% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIITX currently yields 4.59% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VIITX and VXF share 1 holdings out of 4478 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VIITX | Weight in VXF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURV | 0.15% | 0.00% | 0.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIITX or VXF?
VIITX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VXF charges 0.05%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIITX or VXF?
Over the past year VIITX returned -1.16% vs +23.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIITX annualized -2.27% vs +9.01% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIITX or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: VIITX -15.0% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VIITX and VXF?
VIITX and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIITX and VXF?
VIITX and VXF share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4478 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIITX or VXF?
VIITX yields 4.59% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.