ZHDG vs ZJAN
ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January
Which is better, ZHDG or ZJAN?
ZHDG has been ahead.
ZJAN has a lower expense ratio. ZHDG led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ZHDG | ZJAN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.79%Best |
| AUM | $31M | $109M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.42% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 28 | 15 |
| YTD Return | +6.90%Best | +3.98% |
| 1Y Return | +8.99%Best | +5.91% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.14% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.03% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 2.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.6% | -3.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $12,247Best | $11,130 |
| Fund Family | Zega ETFs | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2021 | Jan 2, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
ZHDG vs ZJAN growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.8 years both funds cover.
ZHDG vs ZJAN Performance
ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is an ETF from Zega ETFs and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January (ZJAN) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year ZHDG returned +8.99% while ZJAN returned +5.91%. Year to date, ZHDG is up 6.90% versus a gain of 3.98% for ZJAN.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZHDG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.9% compared with 2.4% for ZJAN. 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 -11.6% for ZHDG and -3.2% for ZJAN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ZHDG charges 0.95% per year while ZJAN charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $79 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ZHDG currently yields 2.42% against 0.00% for ZJAN.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ZHDG and ZJAN you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ZHDG or ZJAN?
ZHDG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while ZJAN charges 0.79%. ZJAN is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ZHDG or ZJAN?
Over the past year ZHDG returned +8.99% vs +5.91% for ZJAN, so ZHDG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ZHDG annualized +11.92% vs +6.13% for ZJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ZHDG or ZJAN?
ZHDG has been the more volatile fund at 10.9% annualized versus 2.4% for ZJAN. Worst drawdown: ZHDG -11.6% vs ZJAN -3.2%.
Should I hold both ZHDG and ZJAN?
ZHDG and ZJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ZHDG or ZJAN?
ZHDG yields 2.42% while ZJAN yields 0.00%, so ZHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZJAN better than ZHDG?
ZJAN has a lower expense ratio. ZHDG led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.