VTIP vs VWO
Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VTIP has a lower expense ratio. VWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 3982 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTIP | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $19.3B | $122.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.60% | 2.37% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +1.89% | +9.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.97% | +22.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.46% | +17.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.38% | +6.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.1% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2012 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VTIP vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTIP returned +2.97% while VWO returned +22.27%. Year to date, VTIP is up 1.89% versus a gain of 9.96% for VWO.
Over three years, VTIP compounded at +5.46% per year against +17.41% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.38% and +6.43% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.98% annualized vs +1.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 2.4% for VTIP. 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 -7.1% for VTIP and -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTIP charges 0.03% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTIP currently yields 3.60% against 2.37% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VTIP and VWO share 0 holdings out of 4005 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, VTIP or VWO?
VTIP has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWO charges 0.06%. VTIP is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTIP or VWO?
Over the past year VTIP returned +2.97% vs +22.27% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VTIP annualized +1.58% vs +4.98% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTIP or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: VTIP -7.1% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VTIP and VWO?
VTIP and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTIP and VWO?
VTIP and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4005 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTIP or VWO?
VTIP yields 3.60% while VWO yields 2.37%, so VTIP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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