ITDF vs. AALTX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ITDF (Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF) and AALTX (American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past year, ITDF returned 21.78% vs 19.25% for AALTX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ITDF charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AALTX.

Performance

ITDF vs. AALTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF (ITDF) and American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund (AALTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ITDF having a 10.71% return and AALTX slightly lower at 10.23%.

ITDF

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 0.07%
• 6M: 7.69%
• YTD: 10.71%
• 1Y: 21.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AALTX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 1.49%
• 6M: 6.88%
• YTD: 10.23%
• 1Y: 19.25%
• 3Y*: 17.87%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

ITDF vs. AALTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ITDF Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF	10.71%	20.86%	16.15%	12.92%
AALTX American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund	10.23%	20.06%	15.09%	11.80%

Correlation

The correlation between ITDF and AALTX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2023	0.97

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

Return for Risk

ITDF vs. AALTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITDF

ITDF Risk / Return Rank: 66
ITDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
ITDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
ITDF Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ITDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
ITDF Martin Ratio Rank: 70

AALTX

AALTX Risk / Return Rank: 47
AALTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AALTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
AALTX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
AALTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
AALTX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

ITDF vs. AALTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF (ITDF) and American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund (AALTX). 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.

	ITDF	AALTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.53	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.17	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	1.99	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.08	8.78	+1.30

ITDF vs. AALTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITDF Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the AALTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITDF and AALTX, 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

ITDF vs. AALTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITDF drawdown since its inception was -15.67%, smaller than the maximum AALTX drawdown of -50.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITDF and AALTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITDF	AALTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.67%	-50.02%	+34.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.32%	-9.45%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.93%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.68%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-29.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-0.46%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.51%	-7.15%	+5.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	2.14%	+0.02%

Volatility

ITDF vs. AALTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF (ITDF) is 4.07%, while American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund (AALTX) has a volatility of 4.39%. This indicates that ITDF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AALTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITDF	AALTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.07%	4.39%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	10.21%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	12.33%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.95%	14.42%	-0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.95%	14.84%	-0.89%

ITDF vs. AALTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITDF has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than AALTX's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITDF vs. AALTX - Dividend Comparison

ITDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, less than AALTX's 5.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AALTX American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund	5.27%	5.81%	3.33%	2.36%	7.07%	4.32%	3.13%	4.17%	4.77%	2.36%	3.53%	4.85%
ITDF Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2050 ETF	1.49%	1.65%	1.55%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITDF and AALTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, ITDF and AALTX 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, ITDF or AALTX?

AALTX has higher volatility (4.39%) compared to ITDF (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITDF dropped -15.67% vs AALTX's -50.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.53), 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.