NAUG vs VYM
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - August vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NAUG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $39M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.80% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.62% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NAUG vs VYM Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - August (NAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NAUG returned +15.62% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, NAUG is up 10.80% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NAUG charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NAUG currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NAUG or VYM?
NAUG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NAUG or VYM?
Over the past year NAUG returned +15.62% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NAUG annualized +16.40% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAUG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for NAUG. Worst drawdown: NAUG -12.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NAUG and VYM?
NAUG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAUG or VYM?
NAUG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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