IRBO vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IRBO (iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IRBO is a Robotics fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IRBO returned 14.13%/yr vs 6.11%/yr for IWM. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IRBO charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

IRBO vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) 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, IRBO achieves a 66.09% return, which is significantly higher than IWM's 17.07% return.

IRBO

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 26.10%
• YTD: 66.09%
• 6M: 63.47%
• 1Y: 112.42%
• 3Y*: 36.54%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 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)

IRBO vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	66.09%	29.97%	8.02%	36.37%	-37.89%	6.32%	48.85%	34.47%	-14.31%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-17.50%

Correlation

The correlation between IRBO and IWM is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2018	0.77

The correlation between IRBO and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IRBO vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IRBO	IWM
Technology	83.8%	19.5%
Communication Services	5.5%	2.0%
Industrials	4.7%	17.1%
Utilities	3.2%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	7.8%
Real Estate	1.2%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	2.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	15.8%
Basic Materials	-	4.5%
Energy	-	6.0%
Financial Services	-	15.8%

Return for Risk

IRBO vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IRBO

IRBO Risk / Return Rank: 90
IRBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IRBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
IRBO Omega Ratio Rank: 87
IRBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IRBO 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.

IRBO vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) 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.

	IRBO	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.78	2.05	+1.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	2.85	+1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.34	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.01	3.56	+2.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.88	12.64	+8.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IRBO vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRBO Sharpe Ratio is 3.78, which is higher than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRBO 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

	IRBO	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78	2.05	+1.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.27	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.37	+0.27

Drawdowns

IRBO vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRBO drawdown since its inception was -54.50%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRBO and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRBO	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.50%	-59.05%	+4.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.81%	-11.03%	-7.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.44%	-27.50%	-4.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.53%	-31.91%	-18.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-1.49%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.85%	-10.77%	-9.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	3.10%	+2.30%

Volatility

IRBO vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) has a higher volatility of 12.01% compared to iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) at 5.75%. This indicates that IRBO'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

	IRBO	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	5.75%	+6.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.12%	13.53%	+11.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.94%	19.20%	+10.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.58%	22.52%	+6.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.75%	23.04%	+4.71%

IRBO vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IRBO has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

IRBO vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

IRBO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.50%	0.88%	0.75%	2.41%	0.53%	0.69%	0.34%	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 IRBO and IWM in my portfolio?

IRBO and IWM have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IRBO or IWM?

IRBO has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to IWM (5.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRBO dropped -54.50% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, IRBO or IWM?

On 5-year performance, IRBO leads with 14.13% vs 6.11% 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, IRBO or IWM?

Over the 5-year period, IRBO has performed better with a 14.13% return vs 6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IRBO or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IRBO.

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.00% for IRBO.

What is the main difference between IRBO and IWM?

IRBO is categorized as Robotics, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IRBO tracks NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IRBO and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IRBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.78 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.