BALT vs VOO
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF 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 | BALT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.40% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.97% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BALT vs VOO Performance
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BALT returned +6.97% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, BALT is up 3.40% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, BALT compounded at +7.36% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.11% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 2.6% for BALT. 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 -4.9% for BALT 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALT charges 0.69% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALT or VOO?
BALT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BALT or VOO?
Over the past year BALT returned +6.97% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BALT annualized +6.03% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BALT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.6% for BALT. Worst drawdown: BALT -4.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BALT and VOO?
BALT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALT or VOO?
BALT yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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