AJUL vs IVV
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJUL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $86M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +4.61% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.43% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
AJUL vs IVV Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 (AJUL) 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 AJUL returned +7.43% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, AJUL is up 4.61% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.4% for AJUL. 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 -6.1% for AJUL 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AJUL 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, AJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJUL or IVV?
AJUL 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, AJUL or IVV?
Over the past year AJUL returned +7.43% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AJUL annualized +7.99% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJUL or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for AJUL. Worst drawdown: AJUL -6.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AJUL and IVV?
AJUL and IVV 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, AJUL or IVV?
AJUL yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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