AJUL vs VTI
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJUL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $86M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.61% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.43% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
AJUL vs VTI Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 (AJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AJUL returned +7.43% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, AJUL is up 4.61% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% 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
AJUL 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, AJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJUL or VTI?
AJUL 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, AJUL or VTI?
Over the past year AJUL returned +7.43% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AJUL annualized +7.99% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJUL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.4% for AJUL. Worst drawdown: AJUL -6.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AJUL and VTI?
AJUL 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, AJUL or VTI?
AJUL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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