VTSPX vs. RRPAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VTSPX (Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares) and RRPAX (SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund) are both Inflation-Protected Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VTSPX returned 3.05%/yr vs 2.85%/yr for RRPAX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTSPX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for RRPAX.

Performance

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX) and SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund (RRPAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTSPX achieves a 1.34% return, which is significantly higher than RRPAX's 1.11% return. Over the past 10 years, VTSPX has outperformed RRPAX with an annualized return of 3.05%, while RRPAX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.85% annualized return.

VTSPX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 3.60%
• 3Y*: 5.01%
• 5Y*: 3.28%
• 10Y*: 3.05%

RRPAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.13%
• 1Y: 3.36%
• 3Y*: 4.70%
• 5Y*: 2.82%
• 10Y*: 2.85%

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

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.34%	6.06%	4.75%	4.61%	-2.82%	5.32%	4.99%	4.82%	0.59%	0.83%
RRPAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund	1.11%	6.53%	4.54%	3.49%	-4.06%	5.41%	5.64%	5.01%	0.31%	0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSPX and RRPAX is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.87

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

Return for Risk

VTSPX vs. RRPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSPX

VTSPX Risk / Return Rank: 84
VTSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VTSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VTSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VTSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VTSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

RRPAX

RRPAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
RRPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
RRPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
RRPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RRPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
RRPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX) and SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund (RRPAX). 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.

	VTSPX	RRPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.78	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	2.72	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.37	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.77	3.56	+1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.35	12.96	+4.39

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is comparable to the RRPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSPX and RRPAX, 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

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSPX drawdown since its inception was -5.35%, smaller than the maximum RRPAX drawdown of -16.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSPX and RRPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSPX	RRPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.35%	-16.15%	+10.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.75%	-0.95%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.92%	-1.89%	+0.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.35%	-6.48%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.35%	-6.48%	+1.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.95%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-2.94%	+1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.21%	0.26%	-0.05%

Volatility

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSPX) is 0.67%, while SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund (RRPAX) has a volatility of 0.81%. This indicates that VTSPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RRPAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTSPX	RRPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	0.81%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.22%	1.45%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.58%	1.91%	-0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.66%	3.24%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.24%	2.70%	-0.46%

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTSPX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than RRPAX's 0.02% 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

VTSPX vs. RRPAX - Dividend Comparison

VTSPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, less than RRPAX's 3.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RRPAX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Real Return Fund	3.96%	4.64%	3.57%	2.43%	7.18%	5.33%	1.38%	2.14%	2.35%	1.89%	1.23%
VTSPX Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.61%	3.81%	2.70%	2.86%	6.84%	4.69%	1.21%	1.96%	2.47%	1.52%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTSPX and RRPAX in my portfolio?

VTSPX and RRPAX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTSPX or RRPAX?

RRPAX has higher volatility (0.81%) compared to VTSPX (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSPX dropped -5.35% vs RRPAX's -16.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.78), 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.