NAUG vs VTI
Innovator Growth-100 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 | NAUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.15% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.36% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
NAUG vs VTI Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - August (NAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NAUG returned +15.36% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, NAUG is up 11.15% 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 7.8% for NAUG. 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 -12.9% for NAUG 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NAUG 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, NAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NAUG or VTI?
NAUG 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, NAUG or VTI?
Over the past year NAUG returned +15.36% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NAUG annualized +16.53% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAUG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.8% for NAUG. Worst drawdown: NAUG -12.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NAUG and VTI?
NAUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAUG or VTI?
NAUG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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