APRJ vs VTI
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APRJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.82% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.22% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.52% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
APRJ vs VTI Performance
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April (APRJ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year APRJ returned +0.52% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, APRJ is up 1.22% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, APRJ compounded at +4.18% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.3% for APRJ. 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 -4.7% for APRJ 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APRJ 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, APRJ currently yields 4.82% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, APRJ or VTI?
APRJ 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, APRJ or VTI?
Over the past year APRJ returned +0.52% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APRJ annualized +4.63% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APRJ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.3% for APRJ. Worst drawdown: APRJ -4.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both APRJ and VTI?
APRJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, APRJ or VTI?
APRJ yields 4.82% while VTI yields 1.07%, so APRJ 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.