VTI vs XBJA
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XBJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $89M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +7.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +11.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +11.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 10.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -17.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 31, 2021 |
VTI vs XBJA Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January (XBJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while XBJA returned +11.88%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a gain of 7.72% for XBJA.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.93% per year against +11.74% for XBJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.0% for XBJA. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -17.4% for XBJA. 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
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XBJA charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for XBJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XBJA?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XBJA charges 0.79%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XBJA?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +11.88% for XBJA, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +7.39% for XBJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XBJA?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.0% for XBJA. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XBJA -17.4%.
Should I hold both VTI and XBJA?
VTI and XBJA 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, VTI or XBJA?
VTI yields 1.07% while XBJA yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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