VIPIX vs. VTSAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIPIX (Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares) and VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VIPIX is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VTSAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VIPIX returned 2.62%/yr vs 15.06%/yr for VTSAX. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. VIPIX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTSAX.

Performance

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares (VIPIX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIPIX achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than VTSAX's 10.72% return. Over the past 10 years, VIPIX has underperformed VTSAX with an annualized return of 2.62%, while VTSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.06% annualized return.

VIPIX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 4.07%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 5Y*: 1.08%
• 10Y*: 2.62%

VTSAX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.93%
• 1Y: 27.56%
• 3Y*: 20.66%
• 5Y*: 12.87%
• 10Y*: 15.06%

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

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIPIX Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares	1.05%	6.98%	1.85%	3.85%	-11.93%	5.73%	11.05%	8.18%	-1.40%	2.97%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.72%	17.12%	23.23%	26.51%	-19.52%	25.72%	20.98%	30.79%	-5.18%	21.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VIPIX and VTSAX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2003	-0.11

The correlation between VIPIX and VTSAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.23 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VIPIX vs. VTSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIPIX

VIPIX Risk / Return Rank: 26
VIPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
VIPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
VIPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VIPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
VIPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VTSAX

VTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares (VIPIX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). 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.

	VIPIX	VTSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.14	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.90	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.38	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	3.07	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.48	13.77	-7.29

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the VTSAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIPIX and VTSAX, 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

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIPIX drawdown since its inception was -15.04%, smaller than the maximum VTSAX drawdown of -55.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIPIX and VTSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIPIX	VTSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.04%	-55.33%	+40.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.00%	-8.92%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.46%	-19.36%	+14.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.33%	-25.36%	+11.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.33%	-34.97%	+20.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.64%	-1.13%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.35%	-8.99%	+5.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	1.99%	-1.33%

Volatility

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares (VIPIX) is 1.24%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that VIPIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIPIX	VTSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	4.88%	-3.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.54%	10.11%	-7.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.48%	12.80%	-9.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.02%	17.45%	-11.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.37%	18.45%	-13.08%

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIPIX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSAX'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

VIPIX vs. VTSAX - Dividend Comparison

VIPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.54%, more than VTSAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VIPIX Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares	4.54%	4.77%	4.20%	4.34%	8.49%	5.16%	1.41%	2.32%	3.15%	2.45%	3.50%	0.91%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.11%	1.26%	1.42%	1.65%	1.20%	1.41%	1.76%	2.03%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIPIX and VTSAX in my portfolio?

VIPIX and VTSAX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIPIX or VTSAX?

VTSAX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to VIPIX (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIPIX dropped -15.04% vs VTSAX's -55.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.24), 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.