TJAN vs VTI
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027 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 | TJAN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.08% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.73% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
TJAN vs VTI Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027 (TJAN) 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 TJAN returned +6.73% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, TJAN is up 4.08% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.4% for TJAN. 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 -4.8% for TJAN 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TJAN 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, TJAN currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TJAN or VTI?
TJAN 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, TJAN or VTI?
Over the past year TJAN returned +6.73% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TJAN annualized +7.09% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TJAN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.4% for TJAN. Worst drawdown: TJAN -4.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TJAN and VTI?
TJAN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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, TJAN or VTI?
TJAN yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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