ETF Versus

IWM vs MGK

iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund

Last updated: 2026-04-02

IWM

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2000-05-26
MGK

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund (MGK) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to large-cap U.S. growth stocks with above-average earnings potential. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2007-12-27

Quick Verdict

IWM has edged ahead over the past year (23.1% vs 18.4%).

Key Metrics

Metric IWM MGK
Expense Ratio N/A N/A
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category US Small Cap US Large Cap Growth

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 96 122 148 174 200 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
IWM +10.9%
MGK +73.1%

Performance Comparison

Period IWM MGK Difference
1 Month -3.73% -3.59% -0.14%
3 Months +0.31% -9.52% +9.83%
6 Months +1.11% -8.71% +9.82%
YTD +0.31% -9.52% +9.83%
1 Year +23.14% +18.42% +4.72%
3 Years +39.83% +81.85% -42.02%
5 Years +10.93% +73.14% -62.21%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period IWM Fees MGK Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 20 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$100,000 30 years $0 $0 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric IWM MGK
Annualized Volatility 22.6% 22.6%
Max Drawdown -33.1% -36.4%
Sharpe Ratio 0.01 0.40

Dividend Comparison

Metric IWM MGK
Annual Dividend (per share) $2.54 $1.43
Dividend Yield 1.02% 0.39%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose IWM if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Related Comparisons

IJR vs IWM IJR vs MGK ITOT vs IWM ITOT vs MGK IVV vs IWM IVV vs MGK IWD vs IWM IWD vs MGK