IWF vs. IVW

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) and IVW (iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from iShares - IWF tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index while IVW tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWF returned 18.31%/yr vs 18.03%/yr for IVW. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.18% expense ratio.

Performance

IWF vs. IVW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) and iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWF achieves a 4.29% return, which is significantly lower than IVW's 12.13% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IWF having a 18.31% annualized return and IVW not far behind at 18.03%.

IWF

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: -1.09%
• YTD: 4.29%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 21.82%
• 3Y*: 22.46%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 18.31%

IVW

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 12.13%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 31.58%
• 3Y*: 26.28%
• 5Y*: 15.23%
• 10Y*: 18.03%

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

IWF vs. IVW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	4.29%	18.33%	33.12%	42.59%	-29.31%	27.43%	38.25%	35.86%	-1.67%	29.95%
IVW iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF	12.13%	21.95%	35.82%	29.83%	-29.50%	31.80%	33.19%	30.77%	-0.21%	27.21%

Correlation

The correlation between IWF and IVW is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000	0.97

The correlation between IWF and IVW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWF vs. IVW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWF	IVW
Technology	53.9%	52.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	8.6%
Communication Services	12.4%	16.0%
Healthcare	6.9%	6.1%
Industrials	5.4%	5.2%
Financial Services	5.0%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	1.0%
Real Estate	0.4%	0.6%
Energy	0.3%	0.1%
Basic Materials	0.3%	0.3%
Utilities	0.3%	1.1%

Return for Risk

IWF vs. IVW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWF

IWF Risk / Return Rank: 35
IWF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
IWF Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IWF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IWF Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
IWF Martin Ratio Rank: 32

IVW

IVW Risk / Return Rank: 54
IVW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IVW Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IVW Omega Ratio Rank: 55
IVW Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IVW Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

IWF vs. IVW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) and iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW). 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.

	IWF	IVW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	1.88	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.53	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.33	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	2.31	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.41	9.21	-4.80

IWF vs. IVW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWF Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is comparable to the IVW Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWF and IVW, 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

IWF vs. IVW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWF drawdown since its inception was -64.25%, which is greater than IVW's maximum drawdown of -57.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWF and IVW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWF	IVW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.25%	-57.33%	-6.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.27%	-13.75%	-2.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-22.15%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.72%	-32.72%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.72%	-32.72%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.25%	-2.47%	-1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.05%	-17.59%	-4.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.96%	3.44%	+1.52%

Volatility

IWF vs. IVW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) is 5.94%, while iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) has a volatility of 6.91%. This indicates that IWF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IVW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWF	IVW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.94%	6.91%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.68%	13.76%	-1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.13%	16.88%	-0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.50%	21.32%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.03%	20.70%	+0.33%

IWF vs. IVW - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IWF and IVW have an expense ratio of 0.18%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWF vs. IVW - Dividend Comparison

IWF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, less than IVW's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVW iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.36%	0.40%	0.43%	1.03%	0.92%	0.46%	0.82%	1.63%	1.28%	1.30%	1.51%	1.51%
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.35%	0.36%	0.46%	0.67%	0.91%	0.49%	0.66%	0.99%	1.27%	1.10%	1.43%	1.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWF and IVW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IWF and IVW 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, IWF or IVW?

IVW has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to IWF (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWF dropped -64.25% vs IVW's -57.33%.

Which ETF is better, IWF or IVW?

On 10-year performance, IWF leads with 18.31% vs 18.03% for IVW. Both ETFs have the same 0.18% expense ratio. On volatility, IWF has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWF or IVW?

Over the 10-year period, IWF has performed better with a 18.31% return vs 18.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWF or IVW?

IWF and IVW have the same expense ratio: 0.18% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWF or IVW?

IWF and IVW have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.35%.

What is the main difference between IWF and IVW?

IWF tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index, while IVW tracks S&P 500 Growth Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.36), 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.