ITDC vs. VTTHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ITDC (Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF) and VTTHX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past year, ITDC returned 17.50% vs 20.41% for VTTHX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ITDC charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTTHX.

Performance

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF (ITDC) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ITDC achieves a 6.85% return, which is significantly lower than VTTHX's 8.58% return.

ITDC

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 6.85%
• 6M: 6.35%
• 1Y: 17.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTTHX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 8.58%
• 6M: 8.15%
• 1Y: 20.41%
• 3Y*: 15.46%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: 10.06%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ITDC Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF	6.85%	16.10%	11.41%	12.40%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	8.58%	17.55%	11.56%	10.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ITDC and VTTHX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2023	0.97

The correlation between ITDC and VTTHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ITDC vs. VTTHX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ITDC

ITDC Risk / Return Rank: 63
ITDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
ITDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
ITDC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ITDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ITDC Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VTTHX

VTTHX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VTTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VTTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VTTHX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF (ITDC) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ITDC	VTTHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.25	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	3.15	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.42	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.96	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.56	12.75	-1.19

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITDC Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the VTTHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITDC and VTTHX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITDC drawdown since its inception was -10.39%, smaller than the maximum VTTHX drawdown of -51.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITDC and VTTHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITDC	VTTHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-51.76%	+41.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.63%	-7.17%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.53%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.15%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-0.50%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-6.08%	+5.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	1.66%	-0.14%

Volatility

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF (ITDC) is 3.52%, while Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX) has a volatility of 3.73%. This indicates that ITDC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTTHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITDC	VTTHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	3.73%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.54%	7.87%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.07%	9.46%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.15%	11.46%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.15%	12.49%	-2.34%

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITDC has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VTTHX's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ITDC vs. VTTHX - Dividend Comparison

ITDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than VTTHX's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITDC Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2035 ETF	1.89%	2.02%	1.93%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	2.72%	2.96%	3.12%	2.47%	2.71%	19.52%	2.50%	2.33%	2.69%	0.16%	2.77%	4.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITDC and VTTHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, ITDC and VTTHX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ITDC or VTTHX?

VTTHX has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to ITDC (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITDC dropped -10.39% vs VTTHX's -51.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.94), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.