ITDG vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ITDG (Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ITDG is a Target Retirement Date fund actively managed by iShares, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. ITDG is actively managed, while ACWI is passively managed. Over the past year, ITDG returned 25.64% vs 25.60% for ACWI. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ITDG charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

ITDG vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). 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 ITDG having a 10.20% return and ACWI slightly lower at 9.86%.

ITDG

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -0.20%
• YTD: 10.20%
• 6M: 9.39%
• 1Y: 25.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ACWI

• 1D: -2.00%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 9.86%
• 6M: 9.11%
• 1Y: 25.60%
• 3Y*: 20.00%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 13.09%

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

ITDG vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ITDG Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF	10.20%	21.85%	16.56%	12.68%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	9.86%	22.41%	17.45%	11.28%

Correlation

The correlation between ITDG and ACWI is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2023	0.99

The correlation between ITDG and ACWI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ITDG vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITDG

ITDG Risk / Return Rank: 62
ITDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ITDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ITDG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ITDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
ITDG Martin Ratio Rank: 67

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 58
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ACWI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

ITDG vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). 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.

	ITDG	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.89	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.60	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	2.64	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.63	11.51	+0.12

ITDG vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITDG and ACWI, 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

ITDG vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITDG drawdown since its inception was -16.60%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITDG and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITDG	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.60%	-56.00%	+39.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.54%	-9.73%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-2.83%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.57%	-8.59%	+7.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	2.23%	-0.02%

Volatility

ITDG vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) have volatilities of 5.30% and 5.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITDG	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.57%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.04%	11.38%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.32%	13.64%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.61%	16.20%	-1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.61%	17.08%	-2.47%

ITDG vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITDG has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITDG vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

ITDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, which matches ACWI's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.45%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
ITDG Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF	1.46%	1.60%	1.44%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITDG and ACWI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ITDG and ACWI 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, ITDG or ACWI?

ACWI has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to ITDG (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITDG dropped -16.60% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, ITDG or ACWI?

On 1-year performance, ITDG leads with 25.64% vs 25.60% for ACWI. On fees, ITDG is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, ITDG has been the lower-risk option at 5.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITDG or ACWI?

Over the 1-year period, ITDG has performed better with a 25.64% return vs 25.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITDG or ACWI?

ITDG is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for ACWI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ITDG or ACWI?

ITDG and ACWI have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.46%.

What is the main difference between ITDG and ACWI?

ITDG is categorized as Target Retirement Date, while ACWI is Global Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for ITDG and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.89), 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.