VTP vs. VXUS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VTP (Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTP is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury Inflation Linked Bond Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VTP returned 3.18% vs 25.31% for VXUS. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VTP vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTP) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTP achieves a 0.86% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 12.04% return.

VTP

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -0.62%
• 6M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 1Y: 3.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -2.53%
• 6M: 7.54%
• YTD: 12.04%
• 1Y: 25.31%
• 3Y*: 17.03%
• 5Y*: 8.68%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

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

VTP vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTP Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	0.86%	2.46%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	12.04%	11.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VTP and VXUS is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.31

Return for Risk

VTP vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTP

VTP Risk / Return Rank: 34
VTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VTP Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VTP Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 56
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

VTP vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTP) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	VTP	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	1.53	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.40	2.11	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.28	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.25	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.69	8.45	-3.76

VTP vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTP Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTP and VXUS, 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

VTP vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTP drawdown since its inception was -1.92%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTP and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTP	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.92%	-35.97%	+34.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.92%	-11.27%	+9.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-3.45%	+2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.53%	-8.17%	+7.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.68%	3.00%	-2.32%

Volatility

VTP vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTP) is 1.19%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.28%. This indicates that VTP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTP	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	5.28%	-4.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.47%	14.78%	-12.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	16.63%	-13.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.33%	16.31%	-12.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.33%	16.99%	-13.66%

VTP vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTP and VXUS have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTP vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VTP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, more than VXUS's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTP Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF	2.98%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.60%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTP and VXUS in my portfolio?

VTP and VXUS have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTP or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to VTP (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTP dropped -1.92% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, VTP or VXUS?

On 1-year performance, VXUS leads with 25.31% vs 3.18% for VTP. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, VTP has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTP or VXUS?

Over the 1-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 25.31% return vs 3.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTP or VXUS?

VTP and VXUS have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTP or VXUS?

VTP has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 2.60% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between VTP and VXUS?

VTP is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while VXUS is Global Equities. VTP tracks ICE U.S. Treasury Inflation Linked Bond Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.96), 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.