VIPIX vs XLE
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VIPIX has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIPIX offers more diversification with 63 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIPIX | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $12.4B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | -0.96% | +37.49% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.04% | +49.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.29% | +15.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.77% | +25.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2003 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VIPIX vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.04% while XLE returned +49.23%. Year to date, VIPIX is down 0.96% versus a gain of 37.49% for XLE.
Over three years, VIPIX compounded at -0.29% per year against +15.86% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are -4.77% and +25.12% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs -4.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% 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 -76.7% for XLE. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIPIX charges 0.07% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $8 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIPIX currently yields 5.21% against 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VIPIX and XLE share 0 holdings out of 77 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 XLE?
VIPIX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while XLE charges 0.08%. VIPIX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIPIX or XLE?
Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.04% vs +49.23% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIPIX annualized -4.77% vs +7.02% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIPIX or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VIPIX -24.5% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VIPIX and XLE?
VIPIX and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIPIX and XLE?
VIPIX and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 77 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIPIX or XLE?
VIPIX yields 5.21% while XLE yields 2.55%, so VIPIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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