IRTR vs VYM
iShares LifePath Retirement ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IRTR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $58M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.99% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.57% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.70% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IRTR vs VYM Performance
iShares LifePath Retirement ETF (IRTR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IRTR returned +10.70% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, IRTR is up 5.57% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.8% for IRTR. 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 -6.3% for IRTR and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IRTR charges 0.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IRTR currently yields 2.99% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IRTR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 572 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, IRTR or VYM?
IRTR has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IRTR or VYM?
Over the past year IRTR returned +10.70% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IRTR annualized +13.32% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IRTR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.8% for IRTR. Worst drawdown: IRTR -6.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IRTR and VYM?
IRTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IRTR and VYM?
IRTR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IRTR or VYM?
IRTR yields 2.99% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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