LIRKX vs. FFFAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LIRKX (BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund) and FFFAX (Fidelity Freedom Income Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, LIRKX returned 6.08%/yr vs 4.60%/yr for FFFAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LIRKX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for FFFAX.

Performance

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund (LIRKX) and Fidelity Freedom Income Fund (FFFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LIRKX achieves a 5.30% return, which is significantly higher than FFFAX's 4.83% return. Over the past 10 years, LIRKX has outperformed FFFAX with an annualized return of 6.08%, while FFFAX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.60% annualized return.

LIRKX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 5.30%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 13.02%
• 3Y*: 9.88%
• 5Y*: 4.03%
• 10Y*: 6.08%

FFFAX

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 4.77%
• 1Y: 10.53%
• 3Y*: 7.93%
• 5Y*: 3.20%
• 10Y*: 4.60%

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

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LIRKX BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund	5.30%	12.48%	6.08%	11.48%	-15.21%	6.75%	11.46%	15.90%	-3.50%	10.75%
FFFAX Fidelity Freedom Income Fund	4.83%	10.42%	4.34%	8.18%	-11.33%	3.12%	8.93%	10.74%	-1.99%	8.21%

Correlation

The correlation between LIRKX and FFFAX is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2011	0.89

The correlation between LIRKX and FFFAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LIRKX vs. FFFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LIRKX

LIRKX Risk / Return Rank: 76
LIRKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
LIRKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
LIRKX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
LIRKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
LIRKX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

FFFAX

FFFAX Risk / Return Rank: 70
FFFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FFFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
FFFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FFFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FFFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund (LIRKX) and Fidelity Freedom Income Fund (FFFAX). 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.

	LIRKX	FFFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.21	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.31	3.19	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.45	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	2.99	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.17	12.83	+1.35

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LIRKX Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the FFFAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LIRKX and FFFAX, 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

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LIRKX drawdown since its inception was -20.46%, which is greater than FFFAX's maximum drawdown of -17.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LIRKX and FFFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LIRKX	FFFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.46%	-17.96%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.23%	-3.68%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.55%	-4.91%	-2.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.46%	-15.87%	-4.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.46%	-15.87%	-4.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.25%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.82%	-1.79%	-1.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.96%	0.85%	+0.11%

Volatility

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund (LIRKX) and Fidelity Freedom Income Fund (FFFAX) have volatilities of 2.40% and 2.29%, 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

	LIRKX	FFFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.40%	2.29%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.96%	4.35%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.92%	4.99%	+0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.88%	5.45%	+2.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.54%	4.68%	+2.86%

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LIRKX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FFFAX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

LIRKX vs. FFFAX - Dividend Comparison

LIRKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, more than FFFAX's 2.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FFFAX Fidelity Freedom Income Fund	2.95%	3.29%	3.13%	2.92%	5.89%	6.12%	4.37%	3.65%	5.17%	3.74%	3.21%	3.28%
LIRKX BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund	3.69%	3.89%	2.06%	2.67%	2.75%	2.74%	1.98%	2.48%	2.50%	2.28%	2.53%	2.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LIRKX and FFFAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, LIRKX and FFFAX 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, LIRKX or FFFAX?

LIRKX has higher volatility (2.40%) compared to FFFAX (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LIRKX dropped -20.46% vs FFFAX's -17.96%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LIRKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 2.21), 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.