VCTPX vs. VTIPX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VCTPX (VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund) and VTIPX (Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares) are both Inflation-Protected Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VCTPX returned 2.35%/yr vs 2.96%/yr for VTIPX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VCTPX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VTIPX.

Performance

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares (VTIPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCTPX achieves a 2.00% return, which is significantly higher than VTIPX's 1.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VCTPX has underperformed VTIPX with an annualized return of 2.35%, while VTIPX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.96% annualized return.

VCTPX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 2.00%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 5.07%
• 3Y*: 2.91%
• 5Y*: 0.95%
• 10Y*: 2.35%

VTIPX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.08%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.47%
• 1Y: 3.65%
• 3Y*: 4.94%
• 5Y*: 3.26%
• 10Y*: 2.96%

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

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCTPX VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund	2.00%	4.22%	1.15%	4.03%	-10.23%	5.10%	8.76%	8.66%	-3.13%	4.86%
VTIPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares	1.39%	5.96%	4.65%	4.51%	-2.93%	5.21%	4.85%	4.74%	0.49%	0.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VCTPX and VTIPX is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.70

The correlation between VCTPX and VTIPX shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.72 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VCTPX vs. VTIPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCTPX

VCTPX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VCTPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCTPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VCTPX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VCTPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VCTPX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VTIPX

VTIPX Risk / Return Rank: 88
VTIPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VTIPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VTIPX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VTIPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VTIPX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. VTIPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares (VTIPX). 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	VTIPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.44	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	3.86	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.50	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	5.28	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.89	19.50	-11.60

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCTPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VTIPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCTPX and VTIPX, 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. VTIPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCTPX drawdown since its inception was -17.48%, which is greater than VTIPX's maximum drawdown of -5.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCTPX and VTIPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCTPX	VTIPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.48%	-5.36%	-12.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.84%	-0.72%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.19%	-0.95%	-4.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.81%	-5.36%	-7.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-12.81%	-5.36%	-7.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.63%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.82%	-1.11%	-4.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.68%	0.19%	+0.49%

Volatility

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund (VCTPX) has a higher volatility of 0.86% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares (VTIPX) at 0.64%. This indicates that VCTPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTIPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCTPX	VTIPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.86%	0.64%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.19%	1.19%	+1.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.05%	1.56%	+1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.60%	2.65%	+2.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.86%	2.23%	+2.63%

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCTPX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VTIPX's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCTPX vs. VTIPX - Dividend Comparison

VCTPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, less than VTIPX's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
VCTPX VALIC Company I Inflation Protected Fund	2.56%	0.00%	13.97%	13.35%	8.00%	1.86%	2.20%	1.63%	1.98%	0.39%	0.00%
VTIPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Investor Shares	3.50%	3.70%	2.60%	2.76%	6.74%	4.59%	1.11%	1.88%	2.37%	1.50%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCTPX and VTIPX in my portfolio?

VCTPX and VTIPX have a correlation of 0.60, 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 VTIPX?

VCTPX has higher volatility (0.86%) compared to VTIPX (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCTPX dropped -17.48% vs VTIPX's -5.36%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.76), 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.