IAUG vs VOO
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - August 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 | IAUG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.35% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.50% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IAUG vs VOO Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - August (IAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IAUG returned +12.50% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, IAUG is up 8.35% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 6.3% for IAUG. 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 -8.0% for IAUG 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAUG charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAUG or VOO?
IAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAUG or VOO?
Over the past year IAUG returned +12.50% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IAUG annualized +12.30% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAUG or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 6.3% for IAUG. Worst drawdown: IAUG -8.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IAUG and VOO?
IAUG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAUG or VOO?
IAUG yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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