IJS vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IJS (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJS is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJS returned 10.51%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for IWM. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

IJS vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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, IJS achieves a 17.64% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 21.64% return. Over the past 10 years, IJS has underperformed IWM with an annualized return of 10.51%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.68% annualized return.

IJS

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 3.17%
• YTD: 17.64%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 39.39%
• 3Y*: 15.42%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

IWM

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 21.64%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 44.01%
• 3Y*: 19.60%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 11.68%

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

IJS vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	17.64%	6.54%	7.33%	14.68%	-11.34%	30.53%	2.63%	24.11%	-12.86%	11.35%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	21.64%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between IJS and IWM is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2000	0.94

The correlation between IJS and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJS vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJS	IWM
Financial Services	19.4%	15.5%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	8.0%
Technology	13.4%	20.1%
Industrials	11.6%	17.3%
Real Estate	8.6%	5.5%
Healthcare	7.3%	15.6%
Energy	7.0%	6.0%
Basic Materials	6.9%	4.5%
Communication Services	4.4%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	2.0%
Utilities	2.1%	3.1%

Return for Risk

IJS vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJS

IJS Risk / Return Rank: 72
IJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IJS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IJS Martin Ratio Rank: 76

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

IJS vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IJS	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.24	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.05	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.36	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.26	4.01	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.04	14.19	-0.15

IJS vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJS Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJS 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.

Drawdowns

IJS vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJS drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, roughly equal to the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJS and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJS	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-59.05%	-1.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-11.03%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.65%	-27.50%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.65%	-31.91%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.68%	-41.13%	-6.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	0.00%	-1.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-10.75%	+0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	3.11%	-0.30%

Volatility

IJS vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) is 4.84%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 6.47%. This indicates that IJS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJS	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	6.47%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.82%	14.28%	-2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.38%	19.75%	-1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.94%	22.60%	-0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.62%	23.09%	+0.53%

IJS vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJS vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

IJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than IWM's 0.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	1.35%	1.62%	1.78%	1.42%	1.46%	1.52%	1.00%	1.66%	1.75%	1.41%	1.22%	1.59%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.89%	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 IJS and IWM in my portfolio?

IJS and IWM have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJS or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to IJS (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJS dropped -60.11% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, IJS or IWM?

On 10-year performance, IWM leads with 11.68% vs 10.51% for IJS. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IJS has been the lower-risk option at 4.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJS or IWM?

Over the 10-year period, IWM has performed better with a 11.68% return vs 10.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJS or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IJS.

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

IJS has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.89% for IWM.

What is the main difference between IJS and IWM?

IJS is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IJS tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IJS and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 2.16), 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.