IWM vs. XLE

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWM returned 10.81%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for XLE. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWM charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

IWM vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWM achieves a 20.97% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.65% return. Over the past 10 years, IWM has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 10.81%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.90% annualized return.

IWM

• 1D: 1.45%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 13.40%
• YTD: 20.97%
• 1Y: 35.31%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 7.63%
• 10Y*: 10.81%
• ALL TIME*: 8.82%

XLE

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 9.58%
• 6M: 24.59%
• YTD: 32.65%
• 1Y: 41.82%
• 3Y*: 15.18%
• 5Y*: 23.58%
• 10Y*: 9.90%
• ALL TIME*: 8.81%

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

IWM vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	20.97%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.65%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between IWM and XLE is -0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000	0.55

The correlation between IWM and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWM vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWM	XLE
Healthcare	20.5%	-
Financial Services	17.9%	-
Technology	14.3%	-
Industrials	13.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	-
Real Estate	6.6%	-
Energy	5.8%	100.0%
Basic Materials	4.3%	-
Utilities	2.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

IWM vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 77
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 74
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 74
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	2.01	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.60	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	2.81	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.33	7.47	+3.86

IWM vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWM and XLE, 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

IWM vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWM drawdown since its inception was -59.05%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWM and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWM	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.05%	-71.26%	+12.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.03%	-14.98%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.50%	-20.14%	-7.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.91%	-26.04%	-5.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.13%	-66.81%	+25.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.30%	-5.82%	+4.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.72%	-17.95%	+7.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	5.61%	-2.49%

Volatility

IWM vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is 3.36%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 5.61%. This indicates that IWM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWM	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	5.61%	-2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	16.54%	-2.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.38%	20.95%	-1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.49%	25.78%	-3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.01%	29.59%	-6.58%

IWM vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWM has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWM vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than XLE's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.90%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWM and XLE in my portfolio?

IWM and XLE have a correlation of -0.01, 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 XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to IWM (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWM dropped -59.05% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, IWM or XLE?

On 10-year performance, IWM leads with 10.81% vs 9.90% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 3.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWM or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, IWM has performed better with a 10.81% return vs 9.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWM or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for IWM.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.90% for IWM.

What is the main difference between IWM and XLE?

IWM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for IWM and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 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.