Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVIPIXVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.07%0.05%
AUM$12.5B$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.54%2.60%
Holdings638,747
YTD Return-0.86%+14.57%
1Y Return-3.03%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-0.67%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-4.70%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)6.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-24.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 12, 2003Jan 26, 2011

VIPIX vs VXUS Performance

Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.03% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VIPIX is down 0.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, VIPIX compounded at -0.67% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.70% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VIPIX charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIPIX currently yields 3.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VIPIX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7916 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 VXUS?

VIPIX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VIPIX or VXUS?

Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.03% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIPIX annualized -4.70% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VIPIX or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VIPIX -24.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VIPIX and VXUS?

VIPIX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VIPIX and VXUS?

VIPIX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7916 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VIPIX or VXUS?

VIPIX yields 3.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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