JAAA vs VTI
JAAA vs VTI
Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JAAA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $27.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 551 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.58% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.87% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
JAAA vs VTI Performance
Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAAA returned +4.87% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, JAAA is up 2.58% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, JAAA compounded at +6.21% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.88% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs +4.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.6% for JAAA. 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 -2.6% for JAAA and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAAA charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAAA currently yields 5.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JAAA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2821 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, JAAA or VTI?
JAAA has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAAA or VTI?
Over the past year JAAA returned +4.87% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), JAAA annualized +4.49% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAAA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.6% for JAAA. Worst drawdown: JAAA -2.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JAAA and VTI?
JAAA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAAA and VTI?
JAAA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAAA or VTI?
JAAA yields 5.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JAAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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