IWM vs VIG
iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-08
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. It charges a moderate expense ratio of 0.19%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.00%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.59%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VIG is significantly cheaper at 0.04% vs 0.19% expense ratio, saving you approximately $297 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, IWM has significantly outperformed with a 44.4% return vs 24.8%. Income investors may prefer VIG for its higher yield (1.6% vs 1.0%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
IWM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Bloom Energy CorporationBE | 0.99% |
| FabrinetFN | 0.67% |
| COEUR MINING INCCDE.NE | 0.63% |
| EchoStar CorporationSATS | 0.57% |
| Credo Technology Group Holding LtdCRDO | 0.55% |
| Nextpower Inc.NXT | 0.53% |
| Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.KTOS | 0.45% |
| Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.AEIS | 0.42% |
| Hecla Mining CompanyHL | 0.41% |
| Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.STRL | 0.39% |
VIG Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Broadcom Inc.AVGO | 5.92% |
| Apple Inc.AAPL | 3.89% |
| Eli Lilly and CompanyLLY | 3.70% |
| Microsoft CorporationMSFT | 3.45% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM | 3.42% |
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 2.87% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 2.65% |
| Walmart Inc.WMT | 2.48% |
| Visa Inc.V | 2.23% |
| Costco Wholesale CorporationCOST | 1.98% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VIG if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IWM if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose VIG if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.