ETF Versus

IWM vs VBR

iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares

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
VBR

Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VBR) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to us small cap value securities. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2004-01-30

Quick Verdict

Over the past year, IWM has significantly outperformed with a 23.1% return vs 15.0%.

Key Metrics

Metric IWM VBR
Expense Ratio N/A N/A
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category US Small Cap US Small Cap Value

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 84 98 112 126 140 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
IWM +10.9%
VBR +29.6%

Performance Comparison

Period IWM VBR Difference
1 Month -3.73% -4.01% +0.28%
3 Months +0.31% +1.73% -1.42%
6 Months +1.11% +3.54% -2.43%
YTD +0.31% +1.73% -1.42%
1 Year +23.14% +15.02% +8.12%
3 Years +39.83% +37.32% +2.51%
5 Years +10.93% +29.61% -18.68%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period IWM Fees VBR 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 VBR
Annualized Volatility 22.6% 19.9%
Max Drawdown -33.1% -25.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.01 0.14

Dividend Comparison

Metric IWM VBR
Annual Dividend (per share) $2.54 $4.14
Dividend Yield 1.02% 1.90%
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.

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