IWM vs. GBPUSD=X
IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) is Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while GBPUSD=X (GBP/USD) is a currency. Over the past 10 years, IWM returned 11.27%/yr vs -0.52%/yr for GBPUSD=X. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IWM achieves a 19.22% return, which is significantly higher than GBPUSD=X's -0.45% return. Over the past 10 years, IWM has outperformed GBPUSD=X with an annualized return of 11.27%, while GBPUSD=X has yielded a comparatively lower -0.52% annualized return.
IWM
- 1D
- 0.87%
- 1M
- 3.64%
- YTD
- 19.22%
- 6M
- 16.00%
- 1Y
- 39.16%
- 3Y*
- 17.23%
- 5Y*
- 6.07%
- 10Y*
- 11.27%
GBPUSD=X
- 1D
- -0.16%
- 1M
- -0.95%
- YTD
- -0.45%
- 6M
- 0.22%
- 1Y
- -1.60%
- 3Y*
- 2.03%
- 5Y*
- -1.04%
- 10Y*
- -0.52%
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 19.22% | 12.66% | 11.38% | 16.83% | -20.48% | 14.54% | 20.03% | 25.39% | -11.12% | 14.58% |
GBPUSD=X GBP/USD | -0.45% | 7.55% | -1.67% | 5.28% | -10.69% | -0.91% | 3.06% | 4.01% | -5.66% | 9.52% |
Correlation
The correlation between IWM and GBPUSD=X is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.35 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.24 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 11, 2007 | 0.23 |
The correlation between IWM and GBPUSD=X shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X — Risk / Return Rank
IWM
GBPUSD=X
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and GBP/USD (GBPUSD=X). 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.
| IWM | GBPUSD=X | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.20 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +3.00 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 0.97 | +0.36 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.57 | -0.25 | +3.81 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.63 | -0.47 | +13.10 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IWM drawdown since its inception was -59.05%, which is greater than GBPUSD=X's maximum drawdown of -49.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWM and GBPUSD=X.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IWM | GBPUSD=X | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.05% | -49.29% | -9.76% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.03% | -5.26% | -5.77% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.50% | -9.34% | -18.16% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -31.91% | -24.23% | -7.68% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.13% | -27.99% | -13.14% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | -36.44% | +36.44% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.76% | -31.18% | +20.42% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.12% | 2.56% | +0.56% |
Volatility
IWM vs. GBPUSD=X - Volatility Comparison
iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a higher volatility of 7.16% compared to GBP/USD (GBPUSD=X) at 1.22%. This indicates that IWM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GBPUSD=X based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IWM | GBPUSD=X | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.16% | 1.22% | +5.94% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.29% | 4.96% | +9.33% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.73% | 6.25% | +13.48% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.61% | 8.24% | +14.37% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.08% | 9.09% | +13.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IWM and GBPUSD=X have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IWM has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to GBPUSD=X (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWM dropped -59.05% vs GBPUSD=X's -49.29%.
IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs -0.21), 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.
Find the right allocation for IWM and GBPUSD=X
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer