VTI vs XTJL

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

MetricVTIXTJLWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.79%
AUM$663.5B$13M
Dividend Yield1.07%0.00%
Holdings3,5435
YTD Return+14.20%+8.67%
1Y Return+24.16%+15.42%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.12%+15.28%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.37%+9.93%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%12.4%
Max Drawdown-56.6%-23.2%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMay 24, 2001Jun 30, 2021

VTI vs XTJL Performance

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - July (XTJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% while XTJL returned +15.42%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.20% versus a gain of 8.67% for XTJL.

Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.12% per year against +15.28% for XTJL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.37% and +9.93% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XTJL has the edge at +10.09% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 12.4% for XTJL. 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 -23.2% for XTJL. 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 XTJL 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 XTJL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VTI or XTJL?

VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XTJL 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 XTJL?

Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% vs +15.42% for XTJL, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +10.09% for XTJL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VTI or XTJL?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for XTJL. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XTJL -23.2%.

Should I hold both VTI and XTJL?

VTI and XTJL 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 XTJL?

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

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