IMAY vs VTI
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - May 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMAY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $55M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.70% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
IMAY vs VTI Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - May (IMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMAY returned +13.70% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, IMAY is up 8.92% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 6.3% for IMAY. 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 -9.4% for IMAY 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMAY charges 0.85% per year while VTI 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, IMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMAY or VTI?
IMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMAY or VTI?
Over the past year IMAY returned +13.70% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IMAY annualized +12.74% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMAY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 6.3% for IMAY. Worst drawdown: IMAY -9.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IMAY and VTI?
IMAY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMAY or VTI?
IMAY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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