DDFL vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDDFLVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.03%
AUM$148M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings7509
YTD Return+5.07%+13.80%
1Y Return+8.77%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)2.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-1.6%-34.3%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 30, 2025Sep 7, 2010

DDFL vs VOO Performance

Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July (DDFL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DDFL returned +8.77% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DDFL is up 5.07% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 2.2% for DDFL. 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 -1.6% for DDFL 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DDFL 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, DDFL currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DDFL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DDFL or VOO?

DDFL 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, DDFL or VOO?

Over the past year DDFL returned +8.77% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DDFL annualized +9.02% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DDFL or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.2% for DDFL. Worst drawdown: DDFL -1.6% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both DDFL and VOO?

DDFL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DDFL and VOO?

DDFL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DDFL or VOO?

DDFL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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