VTI vs XTJA
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - January
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 | VTI | XTJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.16% | +10.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.62% | +15.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.43% | +14.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.33% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -26.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 31, 2021 |
VTI vs XTJA Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - January (XTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +23.62% while XTJA returned +15.89%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.16% versus a gain of 10.09% for XTJA.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.43% per year against +14.73% for XTJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.60%. 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 13.8% for XTJA. 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 -26.2% for XTJA. 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 XTJA 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 XTJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XTJA?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XTJA 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 XTJA?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.62% vs +15.89% for XTJA, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +7.60% for XTJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XTJA?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for XTJA. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XTJA -26.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and XTJA?
VTI and XTJA 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 XTJA?
VTI yields 1.07% while XTJA yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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