IWM vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWM returned 10.78%/yr vs 36.92%/yr for SMH. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWM charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IWM vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWM achieves a 15.62% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 66.10% return. Over the past 10 years, IWM has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 10.78%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 36.92% annualized return.

IWM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 13.83%
• 1Y: 35.52%
• 3Y*: 16.64%
• 5Y*: 5.48%
• 10Y*: 10.78%

SMH

• 1D: 5.00%
• 1M: 5.58%
• YTD: 66.10%
• 6M: 62.81%
• 1Y: 137.42%
• 3Y*: 60.43%
• 5Y*: 37.89%
• 10Y*: 36.92%

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

IWM vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	15.62%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	66.10%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IWM and SMH is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2000	0.69

The correlation between IWM and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (3 years) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWM vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWM	SMH
Technology	19.5%	100.0%
Industrials	17.2%	-
Healthcare	16.1%	-
Financial Services	15.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	-
Energy	5.8%	-
Real Estate	5.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.5%	-
Utilities	3.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	-
Communication Services	2.1%	-

Return for Risk

IWM vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 63
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

IWM vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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.

	IWM	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	4.27	-2.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	4.33	-1.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.62	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	9.26	-6.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.44	34.80	-23.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWM vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWM and SMH, 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

	IWM	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	4.27	-2.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	1.08	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	1.13	-0.66
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.33	+0.03

Drawdowns

IWM vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWM drawdown since its inception was -59.05%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWM and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWM	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.05%	-84.96%	+25.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.03%	-14.93%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.50%	-35.74%	+8.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.91%	-45.30%	+13.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.13%	-45.30%	+4.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-6.23%	+3.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-41.07%	+30.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	3.96%	-0.85%

Volatility

IWM vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is 6.52%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 15.45%. This indicates that IWM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWM	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	15.45%	-8.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.00%	26.71%	-12.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.53%	32.42%	-12.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.58%	35.32%	-12.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.07%	32.75%	-9.68%

IWM vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWM has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWM vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWM and SMH in my portfolio?

IWM and SMH have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWM or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (15.45%) compared to IWM (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWM dropped -59.05% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, IWM or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 36.92% vs 10.78% for IWM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 6.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWM or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 36.92% return vs 10.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWM or SMH?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between IWM and SMH?

IWM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for IWM and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.27 vs 1.83), 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.