ITDF vs VYM
iShares LifePath Target Date 2050 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, ITDF or VYM?
Target Date against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ITDF led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 99.8%.
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 | ITDF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.11% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $89M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +12.10% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.95%Best | +16.61% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06%Best | +17.42% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.12% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 10.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $17,826Best | $16,919 |
| Top 10 Weight | 99.8% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Target Date | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 19, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (2.9 years).
ITDF vs VYM 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
ITDF vs VYM Performance
iShares LifePath Target Date 2050 ETF (ITDF) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ITDF returned +16.95% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, ITDF is up 12.10% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, ITDF compounded at +22.06% per year against +17.42% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITDF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.2% compared with 10.6% for VYM. 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 -15.7% for ITDF and -14.5% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITDF charges 0.11% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $11 vs $4 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITDF currently yields 1.49% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 11 holdings in ITDF and 557 in VYM, totalling 100.0% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 11 positions we hold weights for in ITDF and 557 in VYM, against full books of 12 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 11 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 528 positions ITDF does not, 97.1% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.35%, JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ITDF and VYM 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, ITDF or VYM?
ITDF has an expense ratio of 0.11% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $7 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ITDF or VYM?
Over the past year ITDF returned +16.95% vs +16.61% for VYM, so ITDF leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ITDF or VYM?
ITDF has been the more volatile fund at 11.2% annualized versus 10.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ITDF -15.7% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both ITDF and VYM?
ITDF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITDF or VYM?
ITDF yields 1.49% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than ITDF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ITDF led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 99.8%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.