TBJL vs VYM
Innovator 20+ Year Treasury Bond 9 Buffer 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 | TBJL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -4.80% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.66% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.18% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.89% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TBJL vs VYM Performance
Innovator 20+ Year Treasury Bond 9 Buffer ETF - July (TBJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBJL returned -3.66% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, TBJL is down 4.80% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, TBJL compounded at -0.18% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.89% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -4.55%. 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 9.7% for TBJL. 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 -29.4% for TBJL 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBJL 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, TBJL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBJL or VYM?
TBJL 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, TBJL or VYM?
Over the past year TBJL returned -3.66% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), TBJL annualized -4.55% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBJL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.7% for TBJL. Worst drawdown: TBJL -29.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TBJL and VYM?
TBJL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBJL or VYM?
TBJL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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