IJR vs IWM
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 ETF
Quick Verdict
IJR has a lower expense ratio. IWM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWM offers more diversification with 1,996 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJR | IWM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $112.9B | $82.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 0.91% | |
| Holdings | 662 | 1,996 | |
| YTD Return | +21.15% | +20.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.83% | +33.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.85% | +8.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 20.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -59.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | May 22, 2000 |
IJR vs IWM Performance
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IJR returned +29.83% while IWM returned +33.43%. Year to date, IJR is up 21.15% versus a gain of 20.15% for IWM.
Over three years, IJR compounded at +16.05% per year against +18.72% for IWM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.85% and +8.01% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IJR has the edge at +9.17% annualized vs +7.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% compared with 19.4% for IJR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.9% for IJR and -59.9% for IWM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJR charges 0.06% per year while IWM charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $19 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJR currently yields 1.13% against 0.91% for IWM.
Holdings Overlap
IJR and IWM share 466 holdings out of 1720 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJR or IWM?
IJR has an expense ratio of 0.06% while IWM charges 0.19%. IJR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJR or IWM?
Over the past year IJR returned +29.83% vs +33.43% for IWM, so IWM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJR annualized +9.17% vs +7.67% for IWM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJR or IWM?
IWM has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 19.4% for IJR. Worst drawdown: IJR -58.9% vs IWM -59.9%.
Should I hold both IJR and IWM?
IJR and IWM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IJR and IWM?
IJR and IWM share 466 common holdings with a 42.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1720 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJR or IWM?
IJR yields 1.13% while IWM yields 0.91%, so IJR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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