BSEP vs VOO
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSEP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $214M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.33% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.20% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.86% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.90% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BSEP vs VOO Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (BSEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSEP returned +15.20% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, BSEP is up 9.33% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, BSEP compounded at +15.86% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.90% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +12.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 11.7% for BSEP. 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 BSEP 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSEP charges 0.79% per year while VOO 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, BSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSEP or VOO?
BSEP has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSEP or VOO?
Over the past year BSEP returned +15.20% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BSEP annualized +12.24% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSEP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 11.7% for BSEP. Worst drawdown: BSEP -24.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BSEP and VOO?
BSEP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSEP or VOO?
BSEP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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