IWP vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IWP (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWP is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Growth Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWP returned 12.47%/yr vs 11.82%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IWP charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBK.

Performance

IWP vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWP achieves a 2.86% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 16.25% return. Over the past 10 years, IWP has outperformed VBK with an annualized return of 12.47%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively lower 11.82% annualized return.

IWP

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 3.23%
• YTD: 2.86%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: 14.57%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 12.47%

VBK

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 16.25%
• 6M: 14.67%
• 1Y: 29.81%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 4.87%
• 10Y*: 11.82%

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

IWP vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	2.86%	8.45%	21.86%	25.70%	-26.90%	12.60%	35.25%	35.04%	-4.89%	24.93%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	16.25%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IWP and VBK is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between IWP and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWP vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWP	VBK
Industrials	24.2%	24.7%
Consumer Cyclical	21.1%	9.6%
Technology	20.0%	25.9%
Healthcare	13.5%	15.3%
Financial Services	6.9%	5.6%
Communication Services	4.2%	3.5%
Energy	3.8%	4.8%
Utilities	2.9%	1.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.4%	3.9%
Basic Materials	0.4%	3.2%

Return for Risk

IWP vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWP

IWP Risk / Return Rank: 13
IWP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
IWP Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
IWP Omega Ratio Rank: 13
IWP Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
IWP Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 53
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

IWP vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	IWP	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.27	1.50	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	2.09	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.26	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.31	2.62	-2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.89	9.82	-8.92

IWP vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWP Sharpe Ratio is 0.27, which is lower than the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWP and VBK, 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

IWP vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWP drawdown since its inception was -56.92%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWP and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWP	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.92%	-58.68%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.79%	-11.44%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.20%	-27.54%	+2.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.62%	-38.39%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.62%	-38.70%	+0.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.95%	-2.04%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-10.14%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	3.05%	+2.05%

Volatility

IWP vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) is 5.68%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.31%. This indicates that IWP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWP	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.68%	7.31%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.34%	15.61%	-2.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.03%	19.96%	-2.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.37%	23.59%	-1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.71%	22.92%	-1.21%

IWP vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWP has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.05% 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

IWP vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

IWP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.33%	0.37%	0.40%	0.54%	0.77%	0.30%	0.38%	0.59%	1.02%	0.78%	1.16%	0.98%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.45%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWP and VBK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IWP and VBK 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, IWP or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (7.31%) compared to IWP (5.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWP dropped -56.92% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, IWP or VBK?

On 10-year performance, IWP leads with 12.47% vs 11.82% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IWP has been the lower-risk option at 5.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWP or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, IWP has performed better with a 12.47% return vs 11.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWP or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for IWP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWP or VBK?

VBK has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.33% for IWP.

What is the main difference between IWP and VBK?

IWP is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. IWP tracks Russell Midcap Growth Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for IWP and 0.05% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.27), 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.