VTI vs ZAUG
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr August
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 | ZAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +4.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +6.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 3.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -4.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 31, 2024 |
VTI vs ZAUG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr August (ZAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZAUG returned +6.64%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 4.36% for ZAUG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.1% for ZAUG. 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 -4.8% for ZAUG. 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 0.93. 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 ZAUG 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 ZAUG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZAUG?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZAUG 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 ZAUG?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +6.64% for ZAUG, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +7.53% for ZAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZAUG?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.1% for ZAUG. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZAUG -4.8%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZAUG?
VTI and ZAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 ZAUG?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZAUG yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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