IWM vs. XAIX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) and XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IWM returned 35.52% vs 54.71% for XAIX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWM charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAIX.

Performance

IWM vs. XAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). 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 XAIX's 30.20% 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%

XAIX

• 1D: 2.48%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 30.20%
• 6M: 30.19%
• 1Y: 54.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IWM vs. XAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	15.62%	12.66%	6.44%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	30.20%	29.05%	15.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IWM and XAIX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2024	0.70

The correlation between IWM and XAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWM vs. XAIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWM	XAIX
Technology	19.5%	71.7%
Industrials	17.2%	0.1%
Healthcare	16.1%	0.0%
Financial Services	15.6%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	8.9%
Energy	5.8%	0.0%
Real Estate	5.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.5%	0.0%
Utilities	3.0%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	0.0%
Communication Services	2.1%	14.1%

Return for Risk

IWM vs. XAIX — 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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 80
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. XAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). 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	XAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	2.45	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.04	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.43	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	3.92	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.44	14.14	-2.70
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. XAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the XAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWM and XAIX, 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	XAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	2.45	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	1.81	-1.45

Drawdowns

IWM vs. XAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWM drawdown since its inception was -59.05%, which is greater than XAIX's maximum drawdown of -23.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWM and XAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWM	XAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.05%	-23.95%	-35.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.03%	-14.01%	+2.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.50%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-8.33%	+5.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-3.51%	-7.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	3.88%	-0.77%

Volatility

IWM vs. XAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is 6.52%, while Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a volatility of 12.81%. This indicates that IWM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWM	XAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	12.81%	-6.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.00%	19.45%	-5.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.53%	22.47%	-2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.58%	24.10%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.07%	24.10%	-1.03%

IWM vs. XAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IWM vs. XAIX - Dividend Comparison

IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than XAIX's 0.41% 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%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWM and XAIX in my portfolio?

IWM and XAIX have a correlation of 0.64, 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 XAIX?

XAIX has higher volatility (12.81%) compared to IWM (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWM dropped -59.05% vs XAIX's -23.95%.

Which ETF is better, IWM or XAIX?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 54.71% vs 35.52% 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 XAIX?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 54.71% return vs 35.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWM or XAIX?

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

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.41% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between IWM and XAIX?

IWM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while XAIX is Technology Equities. IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index, while XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for IWM and 0.35% for XAIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 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.