ITDF vs VYM
ITDF vs VYM
iShares LifePath Target Date 2050 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 | ITDF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.11% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $83M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.07% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ITDF vs VYM Performance
iShares LifePath Target Date 2050 ETF (ITDF) 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 ITDF returned +24.07% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ITDF is up 13.65% 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 11.3% for ITDF. 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 -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 0.83. 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 1.48% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ITDF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 570 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, ITDF or VYM?
ITDF has an expense ratio of 0.11% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITDF or VYM?
Over the past year ITDF returned +24.07% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ITDF annualized +23.64% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITDF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.3% for ITDF. Worst drawdown: ITDF -15.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ITDF and VYM?
ITDF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITDF and VYM?
ITDF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITDF or VYM?
ITDF yields 1.48% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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