IJUL vs VXUS
IJUL vs VXUS
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJUL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $244M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.99% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.56% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IJUL vs VXUS Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July (IJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IJUL returned +15.56% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IJUL is up 9.99% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IJUL compounded at +12.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IJUL has the edge at +6.93% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.93. 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 2.60% for VXUS.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJUL or VXUS?
Over the past year IJUL returned +15.56% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IJUL annualized +6.93% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJUL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.2% for IJUL. Worst drawdown: IJUL -21.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IJUL and VXUS?
IJUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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, IJUL or VXUS?
IJUL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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