AJAN vs VTI
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2028 vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJAN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.68% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.81% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
AJAN vs VTI Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2028 (AJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AJAN returned +4.81% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, AJAN is up 2.68% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AJAN charges 0.79% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJAN or VTI?
AJAN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AJAN or VTI?
Over the past year AJAN returned +4.81% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AJAN annualized +6.39% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJAN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 2.8% for AJAN. Worst drawdown: AJAN -4.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AJAN and VTI?
AJAN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AJAN or VTI?
AJAN yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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