NOCT vs VYM
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - October 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 | NOCT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $226M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.53% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.67% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.72% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.30% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NOCT vs VYM Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - October (NOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NOCT returned +13.67% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, NOCT is up 9.53% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, NOCT compounded at +14.72% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.30% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NOCT has the edge at +11.16% annualized vs +7.08%. 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 9.1% for NOCT. 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 -16.2% for NOCT 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOCT 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, NOCT currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NOCT or VYM?
NOCT 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, NOCT or VYM?
Over the past year NOCT returned +13.67% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NOCT annualized +11.16% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOCT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.1% for NOCT. Worst drawdown: NOCT -16.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NOCT and VYM?
NOCT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOCT or VYM?
NOCT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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