UJAN vs VXUS
Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UJAN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $269M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.39% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.44% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.16% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UJAN vs VXUS Performance
Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UJAN returned +12.44% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UJAN is up 6.39% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UJAN compounded at +11.88% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.16% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, UJAN has the edge at +8.26% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.2% for UJAN. 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 -13.7% for UJAN and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UJAN charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UJAN currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UJAN or VXUS?
UJAN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UJAN or VXUS?
Over the past year UJAN returned +12.44% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), UJAN annualized +8.26% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UJAN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for UJAN. Worst drawdown: UJAN -13.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UJAN and VXUS?
UJAN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, UJAN or VXUS?
UJAN yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.