JANJ vs VYM
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - January 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JANJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.02% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.26% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.26% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JANJ vs VYM Performance
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - January (JANJ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JANJ returned +0.26% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, JANJ is up 1.26% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.0% for JANJ. 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 -7.6% for JANJ 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JANJ charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JANJ currently yields 5.02% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JANJ or VYM?
JANJ has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JANJ or VYM?
Over the past year JANJ returned +0.26% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), JANJ annualized +0.54% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JANJ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.0% for JANJ. Worst drawdown: JANJ -7.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JANJ and VYM?
JANJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JANJ or VYM?
JANJ yields 5.02% while VYM yields 2.24%, so JANJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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