VXUS vs ZJUL
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | ZJUL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $184M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | +4.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +6.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -5.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 1, 2024 |
VXUS vs ZJUL Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July (ZJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% while ZJUL returned +6.51%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.24% versus a gain of 4.29% for ZJUL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.4% for ZJUL. 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -5.5% for ZJUL. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZJUL charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $79 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.00% for ZJUL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or ZJUL?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZJUL charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZJUL?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% vs +6.51% for ZJUL, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +7.54% for ZJUL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZJUL?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for ZJUL. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZJUL -5.5%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZJUL?
VXUS and ZJUL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZJUL?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZJUL yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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