LJAN vs VTI
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - January vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LJAN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.22% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
LJAN vs VTI Performance
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - January (LJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LJAN returned +0.22% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, LJAN is up 0.88% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.8% for LJAN. 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 -5.9% for LJAN 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LJAN 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, LJAN currently yields 4.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LJAN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LJAN or VTI?
LJAN 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, LJAN or VTI?
Over the past year LJAN returned +0.22% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LJAN annualized +0.42% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LJAN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for LJAN. Worst drawdown: LJAN -5.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LJAN and VTI?
LJAN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LJAN and VTI?
LJAN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LJAN or VTI?
LJAN yields 4.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LJAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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