TFJL vs VTI
Innovator 20+ Year Treasury Bond 5 Floor ETF - Quarterly vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TFJL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -5.11% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.83% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.16% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.63% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
TFJL vs VTI Performance
Innovator 20+ Year Treasury Bond 5 Floor ETF - Quarterly (TFJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TFJL returned -4.83% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, TFJL is down 5.11% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, TFJL compounded at -1.16% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -4.63% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -4.67%. 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 8.4% for TFJL. 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 -25.4% for TFJL 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TFJL 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, TFJL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TFJL or VTI?
TFJL 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, TFJL or VTI?
Over the past year TFJL returned -4.83% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), TFJL annualized -4.67% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TFJL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.4% for TFJL. Worst drawdown: TFJL -25.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TFJL and VTI?
TFJL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, TFJL or VTI?
TFJL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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