LJUL vs VOO
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LJUL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.13% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.95% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LJUL vs VOO Performance
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July (LJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LJUL returned +1.95% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, LJUL is up 0.13% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 1.2% for LJUL. 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 -3.2% for LJUL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LJUL charges 0.79% per year while VOO 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, LJUL currently yields 5.21% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LJUL or VOO?
LJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LJUL or VOO?
Over the past year LJUL returned +1.95% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LJUL annualized +4.19% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LJUL or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 1.2% for LJUL. Worst drawdown: LJUL -3.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LJUL and VOO?
LJUL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, LJUL or VOO?
LJUL yields 5.21% while VOO yields 1.09%, so LJUL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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