NSEP vs VXUS
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September 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 | NSEP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $33M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.27% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.69% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NSEP vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NSEP returned +13.69% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NSEP is up 8.27% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSEP 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, NSEP currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSEP or VXUS?
NSEP 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, NSEP or VXUS?
Over the past year NSEP returned +13.69% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NSEP annualized +14.94% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSEP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.2% for NSEP. Worst drawdown: NSEP -12.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NSEP and VXUS?
NSEP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSEP or VXUS?
NSEP yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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