IJUL vs VXUS
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, IJUL or VXUS?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJUL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $256M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +7.97% | +12.21%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +19.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | +19.10%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.04% | +8.63%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,721 | $15,127Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2019 to Sep 16, 2026 (7.2 years).
IJUL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7.2 years both funds cover.
IJUL vs VXUS Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July (IJUL) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IJUL returned +11.17% while VXUS returned +19.22%. Year to date, IJUL is up 7.97% versus a gain of 12.21% for VXUS.
Over three years, IJUL compounded at +11.88% per year against +19.10% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.04% and +8.63% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +9.33% annualized vs +6.55%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 9.2% for IJUL. 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 -21.1% for IJUL and -35.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJUL charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IJUL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJUL or VXUS?
IJUL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IJUL or VXUS?
Over the past year IJUL returned +11.17% vs +19.22% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IJUL annualized +6.55% vs +9.33% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IJUL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 9.2% for IJUL. Worst drawdown: IJUL -21.1% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both IJUL and VXUS?
IJUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJUL or VXUS?
IJUL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than IJUL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.