AAPR vs VYM
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to April 2026 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $73M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +4.70% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.98% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AAPR vs VYM Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to April 2026 (AAPR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPR returned +7.98% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, AAPR is up 4.70% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.0% for AAPR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.0% for AAPR and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPR charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPR currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AAPR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPR or VYM?
AAPR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPR or VYM?
Over the past year AAPR returned +7.98% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AAPR annualized +7.92% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.0% for AAPR. Worst drawdown: AAPR -6.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AAPR and VYM?
AAPR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPR and VYM?
AAPR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPR or VYM?
AAPR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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