IVV vs UJAN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | UJAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $269M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +6.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +12.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +11.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +8.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 31, 2018 |
IVV vs UJAN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while UJAN returned +12.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 6.39% for UJAN.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +11.88% for UJAN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +8.16% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, UJAN has the edge at +8.26% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.2% for UJAN. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -13.7% for UJAN. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UJAN charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for UJAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or UJAN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UJAN charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or UJAN?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +12.44% for UJAN, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +8.26% for UJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UJAN?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for UJAN. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UJAN -13.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and UJAN?
IVV and UJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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, IVV or UJAN?
IVV yields 1.09% while UJAN yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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