IWX vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IWX (iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell Top 200 Value Index, while IWC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWX returned 12.06%/yr vs 11.98%/yr for IWC. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for IWC.

Performance

IWX vs. IWC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWX achieves a 15.10% return, which is significantly lower than IWC's 22.38% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IWX having a 12.06% annualized return and IWC not far behind at 11.98%.

IWX

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 15.10%
• 6M: 14.72%
• 1Y: 28.88%
• 3Y*: 18.95%
• 5Y*: 11.82%
• 10Y*: 12.06%

IWC

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 22.38%
• 6M: 19.49%
• 1Y: 56.41%
• 3Y*: 22.77%
• 5Y*: 5.48%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

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

IWX vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWX iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF	15.10%	18.23%	14.89%	10.45%	-5.33%	23.33%	1.46%	25.82%	-6.53%	14.05%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	22.38%	22.45%	13.63%	8.99%	-21.93%	18.67%	20.88%	22.20%	-13.13%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between IWX and IWC is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2009	0.72

The correlation between IWX and IWC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWX vs. IWC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWX	IWC
Financial Services	20.6%	17.6%
Technology	18.5%	21.7%
Healthcare	12.1%	26.8%
Industrials	10.8%	13.3%
Communication Services	10.5%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	5.2%
Energy	5.8%	4.0%
Basic Materials	2.9%	4.1%
Utilities	2.9%	0.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	3.3%

Return for Risk

IWX vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWX

IWX Risk / Return Rank: 87
IWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
IWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
IWX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
IWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IWX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 75
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IWC 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.

IWX vs. IWC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). 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.

	IWX	IWC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.76	2.33	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.84	3.01	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.36	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	4.56	-0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.71	14.85	+3.87

IWX vs. IWC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWX Sharpe Ratio is 2.76, which is comparable to the IWC Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWX and IWC, 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

IWX vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWX drawdown since its inception was -35.76%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWX and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWX	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.76%	-64.61%	+28.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.59%	-12.43%	+5.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.37%	-29.46%	+16.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.13%	-40.61%	+22.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.76%	-47.21%	+11.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.15%	-0.79%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.81%	-15.24%	+11.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	3.81%	-2.26%

Volatility

IWX vs. IWC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) is 4.05%, while iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) has a volatility of 8.51%. This indicates that IWX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWX	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	8.51%	-4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	18.17%	-9.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.55%	24.36%	-13.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.89%	24.58%	-10.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.50%	24.50%	-8.00%

IWX vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than IWC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWX vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

IWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, more than IWC's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%
IWX iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF	1.46%	1.59%	1.97%	2.13%	2.07%	1.79%	2.12%	2.60%	2.66%	2.12%	2.22%	2.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWX and IWC in my portfolio?

IWX and IWC have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWX or IWC?

IWC has higher volatility (8.51%) compared to IWX (4.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWX dropped -35.76% vs IWC's -64.61%.

Which ETF is better, IWX or IWC?

On 10-year performance, IWX leads with 12.06% vs 11.98% for IWC. On fees, IWX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, IWX has been the lower-risk option at 4.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWX or IWC?

Over the 10-year period, IWX has performed better with a 12.06% return vs 11.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWX or IWC?

IWX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for IWC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWX or IWC?

IWX has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 0.98% for IWC.

What is the main difference between IWX and IWC?

IWX is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while IWC is Small Cap Blend Equities. IWX tracks Russell Top 200 Value Index, while IWC tracks Russell Microcap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for IWX and 0.60% for IWC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 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.