IWM vs SPY
iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IWM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWM offers more diversification with 1594 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $79.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,996 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.18% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.85% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.08% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.62% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IWM vs SPY Performance
iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IWM returned +34.85% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, IWM is up 22.18% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IWM compounded at +18.08% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.62% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.75%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 -59.9% for IWM and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWM charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWM currently yields 0.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWM or SPY?
IWM has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWM or SPY?
Over the past year IWM returned +34.85% vs +21.53% for SPY, so IWM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IWM annualized +7.75% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWM or SPY?
IWM has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IWM -59.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IWM and SPY?
IWM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWM and SPY?
IWM and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2095 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWM or SPY?
IWM yields 0.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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