TJAN vs VYM
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TJAN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $33M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.97% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.44% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TJAN vs VYM Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027 (TJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TJAN returned +6.44% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, TJAN is up 3.97% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TJAN 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, TJAN currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TJAN or VYM?
TJAN 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, TJAN or VYM?
Over the past year TJAN returned +6.44% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TJAN annualized +7.12% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TJAN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for TJAN. Worst drawdown: TJAN -4.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TJAN and VYM?
TJAN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, TJAN or VYM?
TJAN yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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