VIPIX vs VO
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIPIX | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.5B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | -1.07% | +15.03% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.24% | +18.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.43% | +16.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.82% | +8.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2003 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VIPIX vs VO Performance
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.24% while VO returned +18.65%. Year to date, VIPIX is down 1.07% versus a gain of 15.03% for VO.
Over three years, VIPIX compounded at -0.43% per year against +16.65% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are -4.82% and +8.13% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.26% annualized vs -4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -24.5% for VIPIX and -60.3% for VO. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIPIX charges 0.07% per year while VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIPIX currently yields 3.54% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
VIPIX and VO share 0 holdings out of 334 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, VIPIX or VO?
VIPIX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIPIX or VO?
Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.24% vs +18.65% for VO, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIPIX annualized -4.82% vs +9.26% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIPIX or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VIPIX -24.5% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both VIPIX and VO?
VIPIX and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIPIX and VO?
VIPIX and VO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 334 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIPIX or VO?
VIPIX yields 3.54% while VO yields 1.53%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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