VYM vs XBJA
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XBJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $88M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +7.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +11.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +11.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -17.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 31, 2021 |
VYM vs XBJA Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January (XBJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while XBJA returned +11.74%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 7.60% for XBJA.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.54% per year against +11.58% for XBJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, XBJA has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.0% for XBJA. 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 -58.8% for VYM and -17.4% for XBJA. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XBJA charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for XBJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XBJA?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XBJA charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XBJA?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +11.74% for XBJA, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +7.37% for XBJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XBJA?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for XBJA. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XBJA -17.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XBJA?
VYM and XBJA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XBJA?
VYM yields 2.86% while XBJA yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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