QTJL vs VYM
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July 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 | QTJL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $27M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.43% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.06% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.77% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.35% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QTJL vs VYM Performance
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July (QTJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTJL returned +14.06% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, QTJL is up 6.43% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, QTJL compounded at +18.77% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.35% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QTJL has the edge at +9.97% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTJL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -33.4% for QTJL 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTJL 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, QTJL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTJL or VYM?
QTJL 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, QTJL or VYM?
Over the past year QTJL returned +14.06% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QTJL annualized +9.97% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTJL or VYM?
QTJL has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QTJL -33.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QTJL and VYM?
QTJL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTJL or VYM?
QTJL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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