NIPAX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

NIPAX (Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, NIPAX returned 5.55%/yr vs 9.81%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NIPAX charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio (NIPAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NIPAX achieves a 4.30% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 6.84% return. Over the past 10 years, NIPAX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 5.55%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.81% annualized return.

NIPAX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.21%
• 6M: 3.42%
• YTD: 4.30%
• 1Y: 11.20%
• 3Y*: 9.96%
• 5Y*: 4.32%
• 10Y*: 5.55%

VBAIX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: 5.54%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 1Y: 14.37%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: 9.81%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NIPAX Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio	4.30%	13.17%	8.07%	12.30%	-15.45%	7.44%	10.00%	14.31%	-4.84%	9.59%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.84%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between NIPAX and VBAIX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2000	0.93

The correlation between NIPAX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NIPAX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NIPAX

NIPAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
NIPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
NIPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NIPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
NIPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
NIPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio (NIPAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NIPAX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.78	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.52	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	2.55	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.17	11.16	-1.98

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NIPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NIPAX and VBAIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NIPAX drawdown since its inception was -26.77%, smaller than the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NIPAX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NIPAX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.77%	-35.82%	+9.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.82%	-5.84%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.56%	-11.57%	+5.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.93%	-21.52%	+1.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.93%	-22.77%	+2.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.52%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.65%	-4.40%	+1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.26%	1.33%	-0.07%

Volatility

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio (NIPAX) is 1.77%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.16%. This indicates that NIPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NIPAX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.77%	2.16%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.90%	6.78%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.91%	8.37%	-1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.80%	11.18%	-3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.30%	11.24%	-3.94%

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NIPAX has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NIPAX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

NIPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than VBAIX's 5.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NIPAX Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio	4.65%	4.05%	3.24%	4.23%	6.79%	9.83%	5.37%	4.49%	7.06%	3.07%	3.42%	4.49%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.34%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NIPAX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NIPAX and VBAIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NIPAX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.16%) compared to NIPAX (1.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NIPAX dropped -26.77% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.68), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.