VIPIX vs VWIUX
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VIPIX has a lower expense ratio. VWIUX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIPIX | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12.4B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | -0.86% | -1.81% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.83% | +0.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.18% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.75% | -1.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2003 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VIPIX vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIPIX returned -2.83% while VWIUX returned +0.89%. Year to date, VIPIX is down 0.86% versus a loss of 1.81% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VIPIX compounded at -0.18% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are -4.75% and -1.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VWIUX has the edge at -1.82% annualized vs -4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIPIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.7% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIPIX charges 0.07% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIPIX currently yields 5.21% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VIPIX and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1818 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 VWIUX?
VIPIX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VIPIX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIPIX or VWIUX?
Over the past year VIPIX returned -2.83% vs +0.89% for VWIUX, so VWIUX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIPIX annualized -4.75% vs -1.82% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIPIX or VWIUX?
VIPIX has been the more volatile fund at 6.7% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VIPIX -24.5% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VIPIX and VWIUX?
VIPIX and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIPIX and VWIUX?
VIPIX and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIPIX or VWIUX?
VIPIX yields 5.21% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VIPIX 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.