LJUL vs VXUS
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LJUL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.15% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LJUL vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July (LJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LJUL returned +2.15% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, LJUL is down 0.04% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LJUL charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LJUL currently yields 5.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LJUL or VXUS?
LJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LJUL or VXUS?
Over the past year LJUL returned +2.15% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LJUL annualized +4.14% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LJUL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.2% for LJUL. Worst drawdown: LJUL -3.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LJUL and VXUS?
LJUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, LJUL or VXUS?
LJUL yields 5.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so LJUL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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