PAUG vs VYM
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - August 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 | PAUG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $853M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.62% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.77% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.60% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PAUG vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - August (PAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAUG returned +12.62% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PAUG is up 7.80% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, PAUG compounded at +13.77% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.60% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, PAUG has the edge at +9.48% 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 8.5% for PAUG. 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 -17.9% for PAUG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAUG 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, PAUG currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAUG or VYM?
PAUG 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, PAUG or VYM?
Over the past year PAUG returned +12.62% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), PAUG annualized +9.48% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAUG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.5% for PAUG. Worst drawdown: PAUG -17.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PAUG and VYM?
PAUG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAUG or VYM?
PAUG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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