VIPIX vs XLF
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VIPIX has a lower expense ratio. XLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. XLF offers more diversification with 80 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIPIX | XLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $12.5B | $56.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.51% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | -1.07% | +6.98% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.04% | +12.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.43% | +20.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.84% | +10.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2003 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VIPIX vs XLF Performance
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Insti Shs (VIPIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.04% while XLF returned +12.14%. Year to date, VIPIX is down 1.07% versus a gain of 6.98% for XLF.
Over three years, VIPIX compounded at -0.43% per year against +20.59% for XLF; over five years the annualized figures are -4.84% and +10.49% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLF has the edge at +3.73% annualized vs -4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -83.8% for XLF. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIPIX charges 0.07% per year while XLF 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 3.54% against 1.51% for XLF.
Holdings Overlap
VIPIX and XLF share 0 holdings out of 132 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 XLF?
VIPIX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while XLF 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 XLF?
Over the past year VIPIX returned -3.04% vs +12.14% for XLF, so XLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIPIX annualized -4.84% vs +3.73% for XLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIPIX or XLF?
XLF has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 6.7% for VIPIX. Worst drawdown: VIPIX -24.5% vs XLF -83.8%.
Should I hold both VIPIX and XLF?
VIPIX and XLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIPIX and XLF?
VIPIX and XLF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIPIX or XLF?
VIPIX yields 3.54% while XLF yields 1.51%, 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.