VTI vs ZMAY
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May
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 | ZMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +3.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +5.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 0.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -0.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | May 1, 2025 |
VTI vs ZMAY Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZMAY returned +5.30%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 3.05% for ZMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 0.9% for ZMAY. 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 -0.7% for ZMAY. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZMAY 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 ZMAY.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZMAY share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZMAY?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZMAY 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 ZMAY?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +5.30% for ZMAY, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +5.98% for ZMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZMAY?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.9% for ZMAY. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZMAY -0.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZMAY?
VTI and ZMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and ZMAY?
VTI and ZMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZMAY?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZMAY yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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