VYM vs ZJUL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | ZJUL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $192M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +4.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +6.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 3.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -5.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 1, 2024 |
VYM vs ZJUL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) 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 VYM returned +23.24% while ZJUL returned +6.37%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 4.00% for ZJUL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZJUL 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 2.24% against 0.00% for ZJUL.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZJUL share 0 holdings out of 604 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, VYM or ZJUL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZJUL 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 ZJUL?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +6.37% for ZJUL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +7.32% for ZJUL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZJUL?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for ZJUL. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZJUL -5.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZJUL?
VYM and ZJUL 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 VYM and ZJUL?
VYM and ZJUL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZJUL?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZJUL yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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