USEP vs VTI
Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USEP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $148M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.40% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.24% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.29% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
USEP vs VTI Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September (USEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USEP returned +11.24% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, USEP is up 6.40% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, USEP compounded at +12.29% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +8.06%. 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 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 -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
USEP 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, USEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USEP or VTI?
USEP 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, USEP or VTI?
Over the past year USEP returned +11.24% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), USEP annualized +8.06% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USEP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.1% for USEP. Worst drawdown: USEP -13.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USEP and VTI?
USEP 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, USEP or VTI?
USEP yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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