AJAN vs IVV
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2028 vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJAN | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.50% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.62% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
AJAN vs IVV Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2028 (AJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AJAN returned +4.62% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, AJAN is up 2.50% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.8% for AJAN. 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 -4.1% for AJAN and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AJAN charges 0.79% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AJAN currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJAN or IVV?
AJAN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AJAN or IVV?
Over the past year AJAN returned +4.62% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AJAN annualized +6.28% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJAN or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.8% for AJAN. Worst drawdown: AJAN -4.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AJAN and IVV?
AJAN and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, AJAN or IVV?
AJAN yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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