IYW vs. IWM
IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IYW is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYW returned 26.29%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for IWM. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYW charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.
Performance
IYW vs. IWM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IYW having a 22.27% return and IWM slightly lower at 21.93%. Over the past 10 years, IYW has outperformed IWM with an annualized return of 26.29%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively lower 12.10% annualized return.
IYW
- 1D
- 0.74%
- 1M
- -1.36%
- YTD
- 22.27%
- 6M
- 20.44%
- 1Y
- 43.57%
- 3Y*
- 32.70%
- 5Y*
- 20.41%
- 10Y*
- 26.29%
IWM
- 1D
- 0.75%
- 1M
- 3.14%
- YTD
- 21.93%
- 6M
- 18.77%
- 1Y
- 42.48%
- 3Y*
- 19.66%
- 5Y*
- 6.49%
- 10Y*
- 12.10%
IYW vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 22.27% | 25.38% | 30.25% | 65.44% | -34.83% | 35.44% | 47.45% | 46.64% | -0.93% | 36.60% |
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 21.93% | 12.66% | 11.38% | 16.83% | -20.48% | 14.54% | 20.03% | 25.39% | -11.12% | 14.58% |
Correlation
The correlation between IYW and IWM is 0.63, 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 | 0.63 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.61 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.69 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.67 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000 | 0.75 |
The correlation between IYW and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (3 years) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IYW vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank
IYW
IWM
IYW vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) 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.
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.
| IYW | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.21 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.44 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.36 | -0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.46 | 3.87 | -1.41 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.80 | 13.69 | -5.90 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IYW vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IYW drawdown since its inception was -81.90%, which is greater than IWM's maximum drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYW and IWM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IYW | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -81.90% | -59.05% | -22.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -17.81% | -11.03% | -6.78% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.47% | -27.50% | +1.03% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -39.44% | -31.91% | -7.53% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.44% | -41.13% | +1.69% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.11% | 0.00% | -6.11% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -34.59% | -10.74% | -23.85% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.60% | 3.11% | +2.49% |
Volatility
IYW vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison
iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) has a higher volatility of 10.91% compared to iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) at 6.31%. This indicates that IYW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IYW | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 10.91% | 6.31% | +4.60% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.39% | 14.28% | +4.11% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.28% | 19.69% | +2.59% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 26.24% | 22.60% | +3.64% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.25% | 23.06% | +2.19% |
IYW vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison
IYW has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.
Dividends
IYW vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison
IYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than IWM's 0.89% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 0.89% | 1.04% | 1.15% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.54% |
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 0.11% | 0.14% | 0.21% | 0.34% | 0.50% | 0.31% | 0.56% | 0.72% | 0.92% | 0.82% | 1.14% | 1.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IYW and IWM have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IYW has higher volatility (10.91%) compared to IWM (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYW dropped -81.90% vs IWM's -59.05%.
On 10-year performance, IYW leads with 26.29% vs 12.10% for IWM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 6.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, IYW has performed better with a 26.29% return vs 12.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IYW.
IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.11% for IYW.
IYW is categorized as Technology Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IYW tracks Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYW and 0.19% for IWM.
IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.97), 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.
Find the right allocation for IYW and IWM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer