NSEP vs VTI
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSEP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $33M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.46% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.55% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
NSEP vs VTI Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NSEP returned +13.55% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NSEP is up 8.46% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.2% for NSEP. 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 -12.3% for NSEP 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSEP 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, NSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSEP or VTI?
NSEP 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, NSEP or VTI?
Over the past year NSEP returned +13.55% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NSEP annualized +14.73% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSEP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.2% for NSEP. Worst drawdown: NSEP -12.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NSEP and VTI?
NSEP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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, NSEP or VTI?
NSEP yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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