BSTP vs VOO
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy 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 | BSTP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $60M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.25% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.39% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.84% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BSTP vs VOO Performance
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSTP returned +13.39% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, BSTP is up 8.25% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, BSTP compounded at +13.84% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +10.99%. 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 11.0% for BSTP. 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 -16.7% for BSTP 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTP charges 0.89% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTP currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTP or VOO?
BSTP has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTP or VOO?
Over the past year BSTP returned +13.39% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BSTP annualized +10.99% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.0% for BSTP. Worst drawdown: BSTP -16.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BSTP and VOO?
BSTP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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, BSTP or VOO?
BSTP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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