A head-to-head comparison of Innovator Equity Autocallable I and VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Innovator ETFs specializes in structured outcome and income-focused exchange-traded funds, with a particular emphasis on buffer strategies and defined protection approaches designed to manage downside risk. The issuer's lineup of five funds spans multiple fund families including Buffer, Defined Protection, and Income products, represented by tickers such as AJUL, BALT, PJAN, SFLR, and SPUT. This niche positioning targets investors seeking alternative strategies beyond traditional buy-and-hold approaches, with an emphasis on principal protection and income generation mechanisms.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on ACEI.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
VegaShares operates a focused suite of two income-focused ETFs designed to generate regular distributions through options strategies and dividend investing. The firm's lineup includes ODTE and VAIE, both emphasizing yield generation for investors seeking regular cash flow. With a specialized niche in options-based and dividend income strategies, VegaShares targets investors prioritizing distributions over capital appreciation.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VAIE.
Bottom lineChoose ACEI if you want broad equity exposure. Choose VAIE if you want to maximize current income — roughly 16.64%, generated by selling options premium.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
ACEI has lagged VAIE over the year to date, posting a -1.64% total return against 0.50%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 31, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since May 2026” measures every fund from May 12, 2026 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window.
Quick verdict
ACEI (Innovator Equity Autocallable I) and VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VAIE offers the higher yield at 16.64% vs 15.49% for ACEI. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VAIE is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.74% compared to 0.79%.
ACEI has $42.1M in assets vs $19.7M for VAIE, but VAIE only launched May 2026 — AUM comparisons will become more meaningful as it builds a track record.
Who should choose each?
Choose ACEI
Innovator Equity Autocallable I
Want broad equity exposure.
Prefer an established track record — VAIE only launched May 2026.
Choose VAIE
VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF
Want to maximize current income — VAIE distributes roughly 16.64% from selling options premium, vs 15.49% for ACEI.
Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.
Want to keep costs low — a 0.74% expense ratio vs 0.79% for ACEI.
Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.
Still deciding? Track ACEI & VAIE for free
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On a $10,000 investment, ACEI would generate roughly $129.08/month, while VAIE would produce $138.67/month, at current distribution rates.
ACEI yield15.49%
VAIE yield16.64%
Monthly diff on $10K$9.58
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, ACEI would cost approximately $790 in fees vs $740 for VAIE (simplified, not compounded). The $50.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
ACEI ER0.79%
VAIE ER0.74%
Strategy & risk
ACEI is an ETF, while VAIE tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an autocallable income approach.
ACEI beta0.4834
VAIE beta—
Fund details
ACEI is managed by Innovator ETFs (launched 09/24/2025) with $42.1M in assets. VAIE is managed by VegaShares (launched 05/12/2026) with $19.7M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is ACEI or VAIE better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VAIE currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between ACEI and VAIE?
ACEI (Innovator Equity Autocallable I) is an ETF, while VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an autocallable income approach. They are issued by Innovator ETFs and VegaShares respectively.
Can I hold both ACEI and VAIE?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, ACEI or VAIE?
ACEI has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VAIE charges 0.74%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in ACEI vs VAIE generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in ACEI would generate roughly $129.08 per month ($1,549.00 annually). The same in VAIE would produce about $138.67 per month ($1,664.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, ACEI or VAIE?
ACEI has lagged VAIE over the year to date, posting a -1.64% total return against 0.50%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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