A head-to-head comparison of Innovator Index Autocallable In 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 ACII.
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 ACII if you want broad equity exposure. Choose VAIE if you want to maximize current income — roughly 16.64%, generated by selling options premium. There's no free lunch: VAIE's payout comes from selling options, which caps upside and can erode the share price over time, while ACII keeps full price exposure.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
ACII has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 4.82% 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
ACII (Innovator Index Autocallable In) 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 9.26% for ACII. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
ACII has $118M 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 ACII
Innovator Index Autocallable In
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 9.26% for ACII.
Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.
Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.
Still deciding? Track ACII & VAIE for free
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On a $10,000 investment, ACII would generate roughly $77.17/month, while VAIE would produce $138.67/month, at current distribution rates.
ACII yield9.26%
VAIE yield16.64%
Monthly diff on $10K$61.50
Cost & efficiency
VAIE charges a 0.74% expense ratio — roughly $740 over 10 years on $10,000 (simplified, not compounded). ACII has not published an expense ratio, so a direct cost comparison isn't possible.
VAIE ER0.74%
Strategy & risk
ACII is an ETF, while VAIE tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an autocallable income approach.
ACII beta0.239
VAIE beta—
Fund details
ACII is managed by Innovator ETFs (launched 09/24/2025) with $118M in assets. VAIE is managed by VegaShares (launched 05/12/2026) with $19.7M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is ACII 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 ACII and VAIE?
ACII (Innovator Index Autocallable In) 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 ACII 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, ACII or VAIE?
VAIE charges a 0.74% expense ratio. ACII has not published an expense ratio, so a direct fee comparison isn't possible.
How much income does $10,000 in ACII vs VAIE generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in ACII would generate roughly $77.17 per month ($926.00 annually). The same in VAIE would produce about $138.67 per month ($1,664.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, ACII or VAIE?
ACII has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 4.82% 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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