PMAR vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMARVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.03%
AUM$764M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings63,543
YTD Return+8.17%+14.22%
1Y Return+12.68%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.74%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.50%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)7.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-17.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 2, 2020May 24, 2001

PMAR vs VTI Performance

Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - March (PMAR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMAR returned +12.68% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PMAR is up 8.17% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Over three years, PMAR compounded at +12.74% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.50% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PMAR has the edge at +9.77% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.1% for PMAR. 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 -17.2% for PMAR 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMAR 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, PMAR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMAR or VTI?

PMAR 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, PMAR or VTI?

Over the past year PMAR returned +12.68% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PMAR annualized +9.77% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMAR or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.1% for PMAR. Worst drawdown: PMAR -17.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PMAR and VTI?

PMAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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, PMAR or VTI?

PMAR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.