OCTJ vs VYM
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OCTJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $19M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.26% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.58% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.27% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
OCTJ vs VYM Performance
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - October (OCTJ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OCTJ returned +1.27% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, OCTJ is up 0.58% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, OCTJ compounded at +4.56% per year against +18.85% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +4.56%. 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 2.2% for OCTJ. 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 -5.3% for OCTJ 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OCTJ 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, OCTJ currently yields 5.26% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OCTJ or VYM?
OCTJ 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, OCTJ or VYM?
Over the past year OCTJ returned +1.27% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), OCTJ annualized +4.56% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OCTJ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.2% for OCTJ. Worst drawdown: OCTJ -5.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both OCTJ and VYM?
OCTJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OCTJ or VYM?
OCTJ yields 5.26% while VYM yields 2.24%, so OCTJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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