VYM vs XTOC

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVYMXTOCWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.79%
AUM$79.0B$26M
Dividend Yield2.86%0.00%
Holdings5685
YTD Return+15.80%+9.90%
1Y Return+26.12%+15.51%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.25%+14.89%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.51%-
Volatility (annualized)14.6%13.1%
Max Drawdown-58.8%-24.1%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionNov 10, 2006Sep 30, 2021

VYM vs XTOC Performance

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - October (XTOC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while XTOC returned +15.51%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a gain of 9.90% for XTOC.

Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.25% per year against +14.89% for XTOC. Across the full 5-year window we track, XTOC has the edge at +8.93% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 13.1% for XTOC. 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 -24.1% for XTOC. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VYM charges 0.04% per year while XTOC 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 XTOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VYM or XTOC?

VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XTOC 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 XTOC?

Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +15.51% for XTOC, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +8.93% for XTOC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VYM or XTOC?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.1% for XTOC. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XTOC -24.1%.

Should I hold both VYM and XTOC?

VYM and XTOC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XTOC?

VYM yields 2.86% while XTOC yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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