EQLT vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EQLT (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQLT is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EQLT returned 61.52% vs 39.10% for IWM. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EQLT charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

EQLT vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQLT achieves a 31.35% return, which is significantly higher than IWM's 17.07% return.

EQLT

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: 8.08%
• YTD: 31.35%
• 6M: 34.63%
• 1Y: 61.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EQLT vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	31.35%	33.93%	-1.29%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	6.96%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLT and IWM is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2024	0.59

The correlation between EQLT and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

EQLT vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQLT	IWM
Technology	40.7%	19.5%
Financial Services	16.8%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	7.8%
Industrials	7.4%	17.1%
Basic Materials	6.7%	4.5%
Communication Services	6.4%	2.0%
Energy	3.8%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	2.1%
Healthcare	2.4%	15.8%
Utilities	2.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.1%	5.7%

Return for Risk

EQLT vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EQLT

EQLT Risk / Return Rank: 87
EQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
EQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EQLT vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	EQLT	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.93	2.05	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.74	2.85	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.34	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.15	3.56	+1.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.74	12.64	+8.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EQLT vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.93, which is higher than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQLT and IWM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EQLT	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.93	2.05	+0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.83	0.37	+1.47

Drawdowns

EQLT vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQLT drawdown since its inception was -17.38%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQLT and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLT	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.38%	-59.05%	+41.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-11.03%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.50%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-1.49%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.60%	-10.77%	+7.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	3.10%	-0.13%

Volatility

EQLT vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) has a higher volatility of 9.92% compared to iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) at 5.75%. This indicates that EQLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQLT	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.92%	5.75%	+4.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.77%	13.53%	+5.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.11%	19.20%	+1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	22.52%	-1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.56%	23.04%	-2.48%

EQLT vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLT has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLT vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

EQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, more than IWM's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	2.63%	3.10%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLT and IWM in my portfolio?

EQLT and IWM have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EQLT or IWM?

EQLT has higher volatility (9.92%) compared to IWM (5.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQLT dropped -17.38% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, EQLT or IWM?

On 1-year performance, EQLT leads with 61.52% vs 39.10% for IWM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 5.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQLT or IWM?

Over the 1-year period, EQLT has performed better with a 61.52% return vs 39.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLT or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for EQLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQLT or IWM?

EQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between EQLT and IWM?

EQLT is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. EQLT tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EQLT and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.93 vs 2.05), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.