ITDG vs VYM
ITDG vs VYM
iShares LifePath Target Date 2055 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 | ITDG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $56M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.27% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.23% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ITDG vs VYM Performance
iShares LifePath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG) 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 ITDG returned +25.23% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ITDG is up 14.27% 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 11.6% for ITDG. 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 -16.6% for ITDG 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
ITDG charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITDG currently yields 1.43% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ITDG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 565 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, ITDG or VYM?
ITDG has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITDG or VYM?
Over the past year ITDG returned +25.23% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ITDG annualized +24.39% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.6% for ITDG. Worst drawdown: ITDG -16.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ITDG and VYM?
ITDG 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 ITDG and VYM?
ITDG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITDG or VYM?
ITDG yields 1.43% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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