IVV vs UJUL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - July
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 | UJUL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $292M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +6.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +11.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +12.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +8.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 7, 2018 |
IVV vs UJUL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - July (UJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while UJUL returned +11.18%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 6.94% for UJUL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +12.80% for UJUL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +8.83% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, UJUL has the edge at +7.16% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 8.0% for UJUL. 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 -14.1% for UJUL. 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 0.92. 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 UJUL 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 UJUL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or UJUL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UJUL 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 UJUL?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +11.18% for UJUL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +7.16% for UJUL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UJUL?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.0% for UJUL. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UJUL -14.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and UJUL?
IVV and UJUL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 UJUL?
IVV yields 1.09% while UJUL yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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