IJH vs. SMMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) and SMMD (iShares Russell 2500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJH is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Index, while SMMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 2500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IJH returned 8.17%/yr vs 7.64%/yr for SMMD. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJH charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SMMD.

Performance

IJH vs. SMMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJH achieves a 14.10% return, which is significantly lower than SMMD's 18.37% return.

IJH

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 3.84%
• YTD: 14.10%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 25.45%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

SMMD

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 4.41%
• YTD: 18.37%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 36.03%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

IJH vs. SMMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJH iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF	14.10%	7.42%	13.92%	16.40%	-13.11%	24.72%	13.60%	26.10%	-11.19%	9.67%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	18.37%	11.72%	11.87%	17.71%	-18.53%	18.30%	19.98%	28.01%	-10.58%	10.82%

Correlation

The correlation between IJH and SMMD is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2017	0.93

The correlation between IJH and SMMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJH vs. SMMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJH	SMMD
Industrials	25.0%	21.0%
Technology	15.7%	18.8%
Financial Services	14.4%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	10.6%
Healthcare	8.6%	11.8%
Real Estate	7.5%	6.7%
Energy	5.5%	4.9%
Basic Materials	4.8%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	2.8%
Utilities	3.1%	2.7%
Communication Services	1.0%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IJH vs. SMMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJH

IJH Risk / Return Rank: 51
IJH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IJH Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
IJH Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IJH Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
IJH Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SMMD

SMMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SMMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SMMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SMMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

IJH vs. SMMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD). 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.

	IJH	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.11	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.96	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.36	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	3.75	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	14.29	-3.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJH vs. SMMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJH Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the SMMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJH and SMMD, 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

	IJH	SMMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.65	2.11	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.37	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.50	-0.04

Drawdowns

IJH vs. SMMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJH drawdown since its inception was -55.07%, which is greater than SMMD's maximum drawdown of -41.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJH and SMMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJH	SMMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.07%	-41.06%	-14.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.83%	-9.66%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.10%	-25.50%	+1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.10%	-28.26%	+4.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.63%	+0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-8.37%	+0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	2.53%	-0.12%

Volatility

IJH vs. SMMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) is 4.37%, while iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that IJH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJH	SMMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	5.17%	-0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.32%	12.58%	-1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.54%	17.20%	-1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.74%	20.82%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.18%	22.37%	-1.19%

IJH vs. SMMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJH has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SMMD's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJH vs. SMMD - Dividend Comparison

IJH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, more than SMMD's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJH iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF	1.18%	1.36%	1.33%	1.46%	1.68%	1.18%	1.28%	1.63%	1.72%	1.19%	1.60%	1.56%
SMMD iShares Russell 2500 ETF	1.05%	1.28%	1.27%	1.44%	1.79%	1.12%	1.31%	1.50%	2.45%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJH and SMMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IJH and SMMD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IJH or SMMD?

SMMD has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to IJH (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJH dropped -55.07% vs SMMD's -41.06%.

Which ETF is better, IJH or SMMD?

On 5-year performance, IJH leads with 8.17% vs 7.64% for SMMD. On fees, IJH is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IJH has been the lower-risk option at 4.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJH or SMMD?

Over the 5-year period, IJH has performed better with a 8.17% return vs 7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJH or SMMD?

IJH is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for SMMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJH or SMMD?

IJH has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 1.05% for SMMD.

What is the main difference between IJH and SMMD?

IJH is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while SMMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. IJH tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index, while SMMD tracks Russell 2500 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IJH and 0.15% for SMMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.65), 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.