IWC vs. RZG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) and RZG (Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell Microcap Index, while RZG is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P Small Cap 600 Pure Growth. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWC returned 11.44%/yr vs 9.73%/yr for RZG. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IWC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RZG.

Performance

IWC vs. RZG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) and Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IWC having a 21.41% return and RZG slightly lower at 20.35%. Over the past 10 years, IWC has outperformed RZG with an annualized return of 11.44%, while RZG has yielded a comparatively lower 9.73% annualized return.

IWC

• 1D: 2.06%
• 1M: 2.80%
• YTD: 21.41%
• 6M: 19.33%
• 1Y: 58.00%
• 3Y*: 22.83%
• 5Y*: 5.88%
• 10Y*: 11.44%

RZG

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 20.35%
• 6M: 18.94%
• 1Y: 33.26%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 5.24%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

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

IWC vs. RZG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	21.41%	22.45%	13.63%	8.99%	-21.93%	18.67%	20.88%	22.20%	-13.13%	12.79%
RZG Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF	20.35%	10.22%	9.84%	19.15%	-29.00%	21.01%	17.76%	14.25%	-8.70%	19.18%

Correlation

The correlation between IWC and RZG is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2006	0.87

The correlation between IWC and RZG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWC vs. RZG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWC	RZG
Healthcare	28.1%	22.0%
Technology	18.4%	16.8%
Financial Services	18.1%	15.0%
Industrials	13.3%	18.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.3%	8.8%
Energy	4.7%	3.0%
Basic Materials	4.4%	0.4%
Real Estate	3.5%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	5.9%
Communication Services	1.8%	1.9%
Utilities	0.6%	0.4%

Return for Risk

IWC vs. RZG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 76
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 80

RZG

RZG Risk / Return Rank: 61
RZG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
RZG Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
RZG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
RZG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
RZG Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

IWC vs. RZG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) and Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG). 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.

	IWC	RZG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	1.79	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	2.65	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.69	3.87	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.50	12.94	+2.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWC vs. RZG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWC Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is higher than the RZG Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWC and RZG, 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

	IWC	RZG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	1.79	+0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.23	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.40	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.38	-0.06

Drawdowns

IWC vs. RZG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWC drawdown since its inception was -64.61%, which is greater than RZG's maximum drawdown of -58.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWC and RZG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWC	RZG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.61%	-58.52%	-6.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.43%	-8.63%	-3.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.46%	-25.73%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-38.33%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.21%	-54.02%	+6.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.09%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.27%	-12.12%	-3.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	2.58%	+1.17%

Volatility

IWC vs. RZG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) has a higher volatility of 7.26% compared to Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF (RZG) at 4.80%. This indicates that IWC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RZG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWC	RZG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.26%	4.80%	+2.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.35%	13.68%	+3.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.63%	18.63%	+5.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.44%	22.99%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.42%	24.65%	-0.23%

IWC vs. RZG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than RZG's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWC vs. RZG - Dividend Comparison

IWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than RZG's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.89%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%
RZG Invesco S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth ETF	0.41%	0.37%	0.95%	1.43%	1.59%	0.22%	0.49%	0.70%	0.46%	0.44%	0.65%	0.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWC and RZG in my portfolio?

IWC and RZG have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWC or RZG?

IWC has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to RZG (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWC dropped -64.61% vs RZG's -58.52%.

Which ETF is better, IWC or RZG?

On 10-year performance, IWC leads with 11.44% vs 9.73% for RZG. On fees, RZG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RZG has been the lower-risk option at 4.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWC or RZG?

Over the 10-year period, IWC has performed better with a 11.44% return vs 9.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWC or RZG?

RZG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for IWC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWC or RZG?

IWC has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.41% for RZG.

What is the main difference between IWC and RZG?

IWC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RZG is Small Cap Growth Equities. IWC tracks Russell Microcap Index, while RZG tracks S&P Small Cap 600 Pure Growth. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for IWC and 0.35% for RZG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.79), 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.