AJUL vs VOO
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJUL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $86M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.57% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.75% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AJUL vs VOO Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 (AJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AJUL returned +7.75% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, AJUL is up 4.57% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJUL or VOO?
AJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AJUL or VOO?
Over the past year AJUL returned +7.75% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AJUL annualized +8.00% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJUL or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.4% for AJUL. Worst drawdown: AJUL -6.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AJUL and VOO?
AJUL and VOO 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 VOO?
AJUL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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