STLDX vs. LINKX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

STLDX (BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund) and LINKX (BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds from BlackRock. Over the past 10 years, STLDX returned 8.01%/yr vs 7.91%/yr for LINKX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. STLDX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for LINKX.

Performance

STLDX vs. LINKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund (STLDX) and BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund (LINKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STLDX achieves a 7.05% return, which is significantly higher than LINKX's 6.68% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with STLDX having a 8.01% annualized return and LINKX not far behind at 7.91%.

STLDX

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 7.05%
• 6M: 6.94%
• 1Y: 16.56%
• 3Y*: 10.02%
• 5Y*: 5.09%
• 10Y*: 8.01%

LINKX

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 6.68%
• 6M: 6.62%
• 1Y: 16.49%
• 3Y*: 10.92%
• 5Y*: 5.36%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

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

STLDX vs. LINKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STLDX BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund	7.05%	13.59%	3.65%	15.65%	-15.85%	11.43%	13.06%	22.09%	-5.41%	15.48%
LINKX BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund	6.68%	14.19%	6.31%	14.58%	-16.42%	11.27%	12.22%	21.09%	-5.56%	16.36%

Correlation

The correlation between STLDX and LINKX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2011	0.95

The correlation between STLDX and LINKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STLDX vs. LINKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

STLDX

STLDX Risk / Return Rank: 56
STLDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
STLDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
STLDX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
STLDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
STLDX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

LINKX

LINKX Risk / Return Rank: 72
LINKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
LINKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
LINKX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
LINKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
LINKX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

STLDX vs. LINKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund (STLDX) and BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund (LINKX). 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.

	STLDX	LINKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.26	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.22	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	3.08	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	13.35	-1.09

STLDX vs. LINKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STLDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the LINKX Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STLDX and LINKX, 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

STLDX vs. LINKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STLDX drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, which is greater than LINKX's maximum drawdown of -24.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STLDX and LINKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STLDX	LINKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-24.19%	-24.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.60%	-5.31%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.58%	-10.76%	-3.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.56%	-22.68%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.95%	-24.19%	-2.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-0.30%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.22%	-3.65%	-4.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.32%	1.22%	+0.10%

Volatility

STLDX vs. LINKX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund (STLDX) has a higher volatility of 3.48% compared to BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund (LINKX) at 2.98%. This indicates that STLDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LINKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STLDX	LINKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.48%	2.98%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.01%	6.02%	+0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.46%	7.24%	+1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.29%	10.03%	+1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.33%	10.89%	+0.44%

STLDX vs. LINKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STLDX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than LINKX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

STLDX vs. LINKX - Dividend Comparison

STLDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.82%, more than LINKX's 3.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LINKX BlackRock LifePath Index 2030 Fund	3.11%	3.32%	0.02%	2.53%	2.58%	2.52%	1.27%	3.26%	2.44%	2.33%	2.41%	3.08%
STLDX BlackRock LifePath Dynamic 2030 Fund	3.82%	4.09%	0.96%	3.16%	2.04%	16.80%	3.86%	6.33%	13.50%	12.92%	2.00%	9.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STLDX and LINKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, STLDX and LINKX 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, STLDX or LINKX?

STLDX has higher volatility (3.48%) compared to LINKX (2.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STLDX dropped -48.43% vs LINKX's -24.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LINKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.92), 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.