RAAX vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

RAAX (VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by VanEck, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. RAAX is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. Over the past year, RAAX returned 27.20% vs 3.86% for VGUS. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. RAAX charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

RAAX vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RAAX achieves a 11.48% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.62% return.

RAAX

• 1D: -2.01%
• 1M: -6.51%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 6M: 9.39%
• 1Y: 27.20%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 12.45%
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RAAX vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RAAX VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF	11.48%	19.37%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.62%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between RAAX and VGUS is -0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.04

Return for Risk

RAAX vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAAX

RAAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
RAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
RAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
RAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
RAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 100
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

RAAX vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	RAAX	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	11.90	-10.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	34.19	-31.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	10.52	-9.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	53.32	-50.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.20	403.62	-391.42

RAAX vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RAAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RAAX and VGUS, 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

RAAX vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAAX drawdown since its inception was -33.91%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAAX and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAAX	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.91%	-0.07%	-33.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.81%	-0.07%	-8.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.59%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.81%	0.00%	-8.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.77%	-0.00%	-6.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	0.01%	+2.23%

Volatility

RAAX vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX) has a higher volatility of 5.13% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.07%. This indicates that RAAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RAAX	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	0.07%	+5.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.53%	0.18%	+12.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.46%	0.33%	+14.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.69%	0.34%	+15.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.80%	0.34%	+15.46%

RAAX vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAAX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAAX vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

RAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%, less than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
RAAX VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF	2.10%	2.34%	1.91%	3.66%	1.53%	8.72%	6.27%	2.37%	0.56%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAAX and VGUS in my portfolio?

RAAX and VGUS have a correlation of -0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RAAX or VGUS?

RAAX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to VGUS (0.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RAAX dropped -33.91% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, RAAX or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, RAAX leads with 27.20% vs 3.86% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RAAX or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, RAAX has performed better with a 27.20% return vs 3.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAAX or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for RAAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RAAX or VGUS?

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 2.10% for RAAX.

What is the main difference between RAAX and VGUS?

RAAX is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for RAAX and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.90 vs 1.89), 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.