KAUG vs VTI
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KAUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $59M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.11% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.58% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
KAUG vs VTI Performance
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August (KAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KAUG returned +16.58% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, KAUG is up 10.11% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.1% for KAUG. 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 -15.7% for KAUG and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KAUG charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KAUG or VTI?
KAUG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KAUG or VTI?
Over the past year KAUG returned +16.58% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KAUG annualized +9.39% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KAUG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.1% for KAUG. Worst drawdown: KAUG -15.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KAUG and VTI?
KAUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, KAUG or VTI?
KAUG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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