VCTPX vs. DIPSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCTPX (VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund) and DIPSX (DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio) are both Inflation-Protected Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VCTPX returned 2.30%/yr vs 2.46%/yr for DIPSX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCTPX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for DIPSX.

Performance

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) and DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCTPX achieves a 1.65% return, which is significantly higher than DIPSX's 0.81% return. Over the past 10 years, VCTPX has underperformed DIPSX with an annualized return of 2.30%, while DIPSX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.46% annualized return.

VCTPX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: 2.72%
• 5Y*: 0.87%
• 10Y*: 2.30%

DIPSX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 0.90%
• 1Y: 2.33%
• 3Y*: 3.32%
• 5Y*: 0.71%
• 10Y*: 2.46%

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

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCTPX VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund	1.65%	4.22%	1.15%	4.03%	-10.23%	5.10%	8.76%	8.66%	-3.13%	4.86%
DIPSX DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio	0.81%	5.77%	2.02%	3.93%	-12.26%	5.55%	11.65%	8.54%	-1.30%	3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between VCTPX and DIPSX is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2012	0.87

The correlation between VCTPX and DIPSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCTPX vs. DIPSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCTPX

VCTPX Risk / Return Rank: 37
VCTPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VCTPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VCTPX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VCTPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VCTPX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

DIPSX

DIPSX Risk / Return Rank: 10
DIPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DIPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DIPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
DIPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
DIPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) and DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX). 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.

	VCTPX	DIPSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	0.69	+0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	1.01	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.12	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	1.21	+1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.99	3.33	+3.66

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCTPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is higher than the DIPSX Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCTPX and DIPSX, 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

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCTPX drawdown since its inception was -17.48%, which is greater than DIPSX's maximum drawdown of -14.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCTPX and DIPSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCTPX	DIPSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.48%	-14.64%	-2.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.84%	-2.03%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.19%	-4.75%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.81%	-14.64%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-12.81%	-14.64%	+1.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-1.48%	+0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.82%	-4.54%	-1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.68%	0.73%	-0.05%

Volatility

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) is 0.88%, while DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio (DIPSX) has a volatility of 1.21%. This indicates that VCTPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIPSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCTPX	DIPSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.88%	1.21%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.21%	2.43%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.07%	3.54%	-0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.60%	6.34%	-0.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.87%	5.71%	-0.84%

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCTPX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than DIPSX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCTPX vs. DIPSX - Dividend Comparison

VCTPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.57%, more than DIPSX's 2.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIPSX DFA Inflation-Protected Securities Portfolio	2.04%	2.43%	2.70%	3.73%	8.14%	4.86%	1.58%	2.12%	2.28%	2.64%	1.99%	0.69%
VCTPX VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund	2.57%	0.00%	13.97%	13.35%	8.00%	1.86%	2.20%	1.63%	1.98%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCTPX and DIPSX in my portfolio?

VCTPX and DIPSX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCTPX or DIPSX?

DIPSX has higher volatility (1.21%) compared to VCTPX (0.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCTPX dropped -17.48% vs DIPSX's -14.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCTPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.69), 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.