AJUL vs VXUS
AJUL vs VXUS
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJUL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.59% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.94% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AJUL vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 (AJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AJUL returned +7.94% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AJUL is up 4.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AJUL charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJUL or VXUS?
AJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AJUL or VXUS?
Over the past year AJUL returned +7.94% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AJUL annualized +8.04% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJUL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for AJUL. Worst drawdown: AJUL -6.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AJUL and VXUS?
AJUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AJUL or VXUS?
AJUL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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