IWN vs. SCHA

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

IWN (iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF) and SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWN is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Value Index, while SCHA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWN returned 10.21%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for SCHA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IWN charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHA.

Performance

IWN vs. SCHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWN achieves a 23.80% return, which is significantly higher than SCHA's 22.07% return. Over the past 10 years, IWN has underperformed SCHA with an annualized return of 10.21%, while SCHA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.91% annualized return.

IWN

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 2.79%
• 6M: 16.35%
• YTD: 23.80%
• 1Y: 38.80%
• 3Y*: 16.86%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 10.21%
• ALL TIME*: 9.54%

SCHA

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: -1.34%
• 6M: 15.12%
• YTD: 22.07%
• 1Y: 34.95%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 10.91%
• ALL TIME*: 12.59%

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

IWN vs. SCHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	23.80%	12.40%	7.63%	14.56%	-14.77%	27.96%	4.66%	22.01%	-13.01%	7.69%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	22.07%	11.60%	11.16%	18.46%	-19.81%	16.45%	19.34%	26.50%	-11.79%	14.94%

Correlation

The correlation between IWN and SCHA is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.96

The correlation between IWN and SCHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWN vs. SCHA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWN	SCHA
Financial Services	28.4%	15.6%
Industrials	12.9%	14.7%
Real Estate	12.1%	6.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.5%
Healthcare	8.8%	15.7%
Utilities	6.9%	2.3%
Energy	6.6%	4.7%
Technology	5.6%	22.4%
Basic Materials	4.2%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	2.3%
Communication Services	1.6%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IWN vs. SCHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWN

IWN Risk / Return Rank: 89
IWN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
IWN Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
IWN Omega Ratio Rank: 85
IWN Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
IWN Martin Ratio Rank: 91

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 80
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

IWN vs. SCHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA). 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.

	IWN	SCHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	1.84	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	2.64	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.61	3.69	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.62	12.60	+3.02

IWN vs. SCHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWN Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the SCHA Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWN and SCHA, 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

IWN vs. SCHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWN drawdown since its inception was -61.55%, which is greater than SCHA's maximum drawdown of -42.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWN and SCHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWN	SCHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.55%	-42.41%	-19.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-9.50%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.70%	-27.29%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.70%	-30.79%	+4.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.08%	-42.41%	-3.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-4.18%	+3.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.11%	-7.54%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.78%	-0.29%

Volatility

IWN vs. SCHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) is 2.89%, while Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a volatility of 5.84%. This indicates that IWN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWN	SCHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	5.84%	-2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	14.56%	-2.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.52%	19.05%	-1.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.26%	22.03%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.33%	22.75%	+0.58%

IWN vs. SCHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWN has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHA's 0.04% 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

IWN vs. SCHA - Dividend Comparison

IWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, more than SCHA's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	1.43%	1.70%	1.80%	2.04%	2.12%	1.48%	1.60%	1.92%	1.99%	1.78%	1.74%	2.15%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	1.03%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWN and SCHA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IWN and SCHA 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, IWN or SCHA?

SCHA has higher volatility (5.84%) compared to IWN (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWN dropped -61.55% vs SCHA's -42.41%.

Which ETF is better, IWN or SCHA?

On 10-year performance, SCHA leads with 10.91% vs 10.21% for IWN. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, IWN has been the lower-risk option at 2.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWN or SCHA?

Over the 10-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 10.91% return vs 10.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWN or SCHA?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for IWN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWN or SCHA?

IWN has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 1.03% for SCHA.

What is the main difference between IWN and SCHA?

IWN is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while SCHA is Small Cap Blend Equities. IWN tracks Russell 2000 Value Index, while SCHA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Small-Cap Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for IWN and 0.04% for SCHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.84), 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.