VFFVX vs. ITDG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VFFVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund) and ITDG (Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past year, VFFVX returned 22.88% vs 24.81% for ITDG. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VFFVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for ITDG.

Performance

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) and Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFFVX achieves a 9.39% return, which is significantly lower than ITDG's 10.54% return.

VFFVX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -1.34%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 8.53%
• 1Y: 22.88%
• 3Y*: 18.46%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 12.06%

ITDG

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: -1.09%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 24.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	9.39%	21.44%	14.50%	11.65%
ITDG Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF	10.54%	21.85%	16.56%	12.68%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

VFFVX vs. ITDG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFFVX

VFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

ITDG

ITDG Risk / Return Rank: 65
ITDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
ITDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ITDG Omega Ratio Rank: 65
ITDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
ITDG Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) and Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG). 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.

	VFFVX	ITDG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.88	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.60	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	2.61	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.99	11.20	-0.21

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFFVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the ITDG Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFFVX and ITDG, 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

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFFVX drawdown since its inception was -31.40%, which is greater than ITDG's maximum drawdown of -16.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFFVX and ITDG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFFVX	ITDG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.40%	-16.60%	-14.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-9.54%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-2.12%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.13%	-1.57%	-2.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.22%	-0.15%

Volatility

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) and Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF (ITDG) have volatilities of 5.13% and 5.17%, 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

	VFFVX	ITDG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	5.17%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	11.02%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.25%	13.25%	-1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	14.59%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.08%	14.59%	+0.49%

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFFVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than ITDG's 0.11% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFFVX vs. ITDG - Dividend Comparison

VFFVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, more than ITDG's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITDG Ishares Lifepath Target Date 2055 ETF	1.45%	1.60%	1.44%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	1.90%	2.08%	2.31%	2.18%	2.19%	10.03%	1.82%	2.15%	2.35%	1.83%	1.99%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFFVX and ITDG in my portfolio?

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

ITDG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to VFFVX (5.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFFVX dropped -31.40% vs ITDG's -16.60%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.87), 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.