UOCT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUOCTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.03%
AUM$179M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings63,543
YTD Return+7.05%+13.87%
1Y Return+11.46%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.59%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.52%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)6.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-13.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 28, 2018May 24, 2001

UOCT vs VTI Performance

Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - October (UOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UOCT returned +11.46% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, UOCT is up 7.05% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Over three years, UOCT compounded at +11.59% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.52% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.32%. 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 6.7% for UOCT. 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 UOCT 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

UOCT 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, UOCT currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, UOCT or VTI?

UOCT 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, UOCT or VTI?

Over the past year UOCT returned +11.46% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), UOCT annualized +7.32% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, UOCT or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.7% for UOCT. Worst drawdown: UOCT -13.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both UOCT and VTI?

UOCT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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, UOCT or VTI?

UOCT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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