ISEP vs VOO
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September 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 | ISEP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $65M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.22% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.34% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.60% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISEP vs VOO Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September (ISEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISEP returned +14.34% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, ISEP is up 8.22% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, ISEP compounded at +12.60% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +12.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.5% for ISEP. 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 -7.4% for ISEP 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISEP 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, ISEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISEP or VOO?
ISEP 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, ISEP or VOO?
Over the past year ISEP returned +14.34% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISEP annualized +12.60% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISEP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.5% for ISEP. Worst drawdown: ISEP -7.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISEP and VOO?
ISEP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISEP or VOO?
ISEP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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