TIPB vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TIPB (Northern Trust 2035 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TIPB is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund actively managed by Northern Trust, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. TIPB is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions.

Performance

TIPB vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Trust 2035 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPB) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TIPB achieves a 1.86% return, which is significantly higher than BOXX's 1.58% return.

TIPB

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 1.86%
• 6M: 1.53%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOXX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.58%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 4.10%
• 3Y*: 4.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TIPB vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TIPB Northern Trust 2035 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF	1.86%	0.79%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.58%	1.59%

Correlation

The correlation between TIPB and BOXX is -0.08, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2025	-0.08

Return for Risk

TIPB vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX 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.

TIPB vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Trust 2035 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPB) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TIPB	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	12.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.35	12.91	-11.56

Drawdowns

TIPB vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TIPB drawdown since its inception was -1.32%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TIPB and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TIPB	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.32%	-0.12%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	0.00%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-0.00%	-0.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TIPB	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.25%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54%	0.32%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.54%	0.37%	+2.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.54%	0.37%	+2.17%

Dividends

TIPB vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

TIPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.02%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%
TIPB Northern Trust 2035 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF	3.02%	1.09%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TIPB and BOXX in my portfolio?

TIPB and BOXX have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TIPB or BOXX?

TIPB has the higher dividend yield at 3.02%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between TIPB and BOXX?

TIPB is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Alpha Architect.