NJUL vs VYM
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - July 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 | NJUL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $253M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.39% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.46% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.62% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.58% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NJUL vs VYM Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - July (NJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NJUL returned +10.46% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, NJUL is up 6.39% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, NJUL compounded at +14.62% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.58% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, NJUL has the edge at +10.80% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.5% for NJUL. 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 -14.4% for NJUL 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJUL 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, NJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NJUL or VYM?
NJUL 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, NJUL or VYM?
Over the past year NJUL returned +10.46% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), NJUL annualized +10.80% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NJUL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.5% for NJUL. Worst drawdown: NJUL -14.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NJUL and VYM?
NJUL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NJUL or VYM?
NJUL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.