USEP vs VOO
Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USEP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $148M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.49% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.63% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.27% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
USEP vs VOO Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September (USEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USEP returned +11.63% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, USEP is up 6.49% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, USEP compounded at +12.22% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.27% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.1% for USEP. 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 -13.4% for USEP and -34.3% for VOO. 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
USEP charges 0.79% per year while VOO 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, USEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USEP or VOO?
USEP has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USEP or VOO?
Over the past year USEP returned +11.63% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), USEP annualized +8.08% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USEP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.1% for USEP. Worst drawdown: USEP -13.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both USEP and VOO?
USEP and VOO 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, USEP or VOO?
USEP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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