IOCT vs VYM
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - October vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IOCT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $166M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.09% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.83% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IOCT vs VYM Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - October (IOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IOCT returned +14.83% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, IOCT is up 8.09% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, IOCT compounded at +13.03% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, IOCT has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.8% for IOCT. 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 -16.9% for IOCT and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IOCT charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IOCT currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IOCT or VYM?
IOCT has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IOCT or VYM?
Over the past year IOCT returned +14.83% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IOCT annualized +8.82% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IOCT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.8% for IOCT. Worst drawdown: IOCT -16.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IOCT and VYM?
IOCT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IOCT or VYM?
IOCT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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