BJUL vs VYM
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July 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 | BJUL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $345M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.45% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.48% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.27% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.69% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 28, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BJUL vs VYM Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (BJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BJUL returned +15.48% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, BJUL is up 9.45% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, BJUL compounded at +16.27% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.69% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, BJUL has the edge at +10.23% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.0% for BJUL. 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 -24.0% for BJUL 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BJUL 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, BJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BJUL or VYM?
BJUL 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, BJUL or VYM?
Over the past year BJUL returned +15.48% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), BJUL annualized +10.23% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BJUL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.0% for BJUL. Worst drawdown: BJUL -24.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BJUL and VYM?
BJUL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BJUL or VYM?
BJUL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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