EPRF vs VTI
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPRF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $68M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -6.77% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.55% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.81% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.22% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
EPRF vs VTI Performance
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF (EPRF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPRF returned -7.55% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, EPRF is down 6.77% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, EPRF compounded at +0.81% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.22% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.6% for EPRF. 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 -26.8% for EPRF and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPRF charges 0.47% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPRF currently yields 5.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EPRF and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2848 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPRF or VTI?
EPRF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPRF or VTI?
Over the past year EPRF returned -7.55% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EPRF annualized +0.72% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPRF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.6% for EPRF. Worst drawdown: EPRF -26.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EPRF and VTI?
EPRF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPRF and VTI?
EPRF and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPRF or VTI?
EPRF yields 5.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EPRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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