IWN vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IWN (iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWN is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Value Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWN returned 10.72%/yr vs 11.98%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IWN charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

IWN vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWN achieves a 20.82% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 11.51% return. Over the past 10 years, IWN has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 10.72%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.98% annualized return.

IWN

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 3.32%
• YTD: 20.82%
• 6M: 18.59%
• 1Y: 42.32%
• 3Y*: 19.19%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

VYM

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 11.51%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

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

IWN vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	20.82%	12.40%	7.63%	14.56%	-14.77%	27.96%	4.66%	22.01%	-13.01%	7.69%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.51%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IWN and VYM is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.84

The correlation between IWN and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWN vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWN	VYM
Financial Services	23.9%	19.9%
Industrials	12.1%	11.8%
Technology	11.6%	20.3%
Real Estate	10.2%	0.0%
Healthcare	10.1%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	6.6%
Energy	7.9%	9.1%
Basic Materials	5.4%	3.4%
Utilities	5.1%	5.4%
Communication Services	2.7%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	8.0%

Return for Risk

IWN vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWN

IWN Risk / Return Rank: 80
IWN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
IWN Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
IWN Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IWN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
IWN Martin Ratio Rank: 85

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 75
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	2.33	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.30	3.33	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.42	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.03	3.61	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.92	13.43	+3.49

IWN vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWN Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWN and VYM, 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. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWN drawdown since its inception was -61.55%, which is greater than VYM's maximum drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWN and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWN	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.55%	-56.98%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-6.69%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.70%	-14.46%	-12.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.70%	-15.84%	-10.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.08%	-35.21%	-10.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-1.28%	+1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.14%	-7.18%	-2.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	1.80%	+0.71%

Volatility

IWN vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) has a higher volatility of 5.29% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.02%. This indicates that IWN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWN	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.29%	3.02%	+2.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.29%	7.64%	+4.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.04%	10.39%	+7.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.41%	13.93%	+7.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.39%	16.32%	+7.07%

IWN vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWN has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM'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. VYM - Dividend Comparison

IWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	1.46%	1.70%	1.80%	2.04%	2.12%	1.48%	1.60%	1.92%	1.99%	1.78%	1.74%	2.15%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.30%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWN and VYM in my portfolio?

IWN and VYM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWN or VYM?

IWN has higher volatility (5.29%) compared to VYM (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWN dropped -61.55% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, IWN or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.98% vs 10.72% for IWN. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 3.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWN or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.98% return vs 10.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWN or VYM?

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

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 1.46% for IWN.

What is the main difference between IWN and VYM?

IWN is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while VYM is Dividend. IWN tracks Russell 2000 Value Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for IWN and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 2.33), 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.