IXP vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IXP (iShares Global Comm Services ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXP is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXP returned 9.33%/yr vs 10.93%/yr for IWM. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXP charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

IXP vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXP achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return. Over the past 10 years, IXP has underperformed IWM with an annualized return of 9.33%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively higher 10.93% annualized return.

IXP

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 18.24%
• 3Y*: 23.77%
• 5Y*: 8.96%
• 10Y*: 9.33%

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

IXP vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	0.11%	29.27%	31.33%	38.80%	-33.40%	12.77%	22.16%	25.23%	-13.67%	6.65%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between IXP and IWM is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 27, 2001	0.62

The correlation between IXP and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.64 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXP vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXP	IWM
Communication Services	97.7%	2.0%
Technology	2.0%	19.5%
Real Estate	0.5%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	7.8%
Basic Materials	-	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.1%
Energy	-	6.0%
Financial Services	-	15.8%
Healthcare	-	15.8%
Industrials	-	17.1%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

IXP vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXP

IXP Risk / Return Rank: 34
IXP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IXP Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IXP Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IXP Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IXP Martin Ratio Rank: 34

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

IXP vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	IXP	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	2.05	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.85	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.34	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	3.56	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.21	12.64	-7.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IXP vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXP Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXP and IWM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IXP	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	2.05	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.27	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.48	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.37	-0.02

Drawdowns

IXP vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXP drawdown since its inception was -50.11%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXP and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXP	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.11%	-59.05%	+8.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.26%	-11.03%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-27.50%	+9.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.30%	-31.91%	-12.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.30%	-41.13%	-3.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.08%	-1.49%	-2.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.92%	-10.77%	-1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.51%	3.10%	+0.41%

Volatility

IXP vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) is 3.92%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 5.75%. This indicates that IXP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXP	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	5.75%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.60%	13.53%	-2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	19.20%	-4.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.00%	22.52%	-3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.52%	23.04%	-4.52%

IXP vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXP has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXP vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

IXP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, more than IWM's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	2.98%	2.98%	1.35%	1.24%	0.62%	1.80%	0.95%	2.18%	4.32%	3.41%	4.02%	3.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXP and IWM in my portfolio?

IXP and IWM have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXP or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to IXP (3.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXP dropped -50.11% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, IXP or IWM?

On 10-year performance, IWM leads with 10.93% vs 9.33% for IXP. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IXP has been the lower-risk option at 3.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXP or IWM?

Over the 10-year period, IWM has performed better with a 10.93% return vs 9.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXP or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for IXP.

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

IXP has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between IXP and IWM?

IXP is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IXP tracks S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for IXP and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.25), 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.