AOCT vs VYM
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to October 2026 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOCT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $49M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.77% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.98% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AOCT vs VYM Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to October 2026 (AOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AOCT returned +5.98% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, AOCT is up 3.77% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.6% for AOCT. 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 -3.7% for AOCT and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOCT charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOCT currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOCT or VYM?
AOCT has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOCT or VYM?
Over the past year AOCT returned +5.98% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AOCT annualized +5.66% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOCT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.6% for AOCT. Worst drawdown: AOCT -3.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AOCT and VYM?
AOCT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOCT or VYM?
AOCT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.