NJAN vs VXUS
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January 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 | NJAN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $351M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.03% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.96% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.63% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 1, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NJAN vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January (NJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NJAN returned +15.03% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NJAN is up 8.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NJAN compounded at +13.96% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.63% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NJAN has the edge at +8.30% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.1% for NJAN. 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 -20.7% for NJAN 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJAN 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, NJAN currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NJAN or VXUS?
NJAN 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, NJAN or VXUS?
Over the past year NJAN returned +15.03% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NJAN annualized +8.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NJAN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for NJAN. Worst drawdown: NJAN -20.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NJAN and VXUS?
NJAN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NJAN or VXUS?
NJAN yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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