IYW vs. IXN
IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) and IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) are both Technology Equities funds from iShares - IYW tracks the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index while IXN tracks the S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYW returned 25.63%/yr vs 25.03%/yr for IXN. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IYW charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for IXN.
Performance
IYW vs. IXN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IYW achieves a 22.66% return, which is significantly lower than IXN's 33.08% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IYW having a 25.63% annualized return and IXN not far behind at 25.03%.
IYW
- 1D
- 0.61%
- 1M
- 1.73%
- YTD
- 22.66%
- 6M
- 23.40%
- 1Y
- 47.94%
- 3Y*
- 32.06%
- 5Y*
- 21.19%
- 10Y*
- 25.63%
IXN
- 1D
- 0.42%
- 1M
- 4.83%
- YTD
- 33.08%
- 6M
- 35.17%
- 1Y
- 60.27%
- 3Y*
- 32.38%
- 5Y*
- 21.51%
- 10Y*
- 25.03%
IYW vs. IXN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 22.66% | 25.38% | 30.25% | 65.44% | -34.83% | 35.44% | 47.45% | 46.64% | -0.93% | 36.60% |
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF | 33.08% | 25.25% | 24.84% | 52.98% | -29.86% | 29.58% | 43.62% | 47.88% | -5.44% | 41.23% |
Correlation
The correlation between IYW and IXN is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001 | 0.91 |
The correlation between IYW and IXN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
IYW vs. IXN — Risk / Return Rank
IYW
IXN
IYW vs. IXN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) and iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN). 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 | IXN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.28 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.38 | 1.42 | -0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.70 | 4.39 | -1.69 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.68 | 14.35 | -5.67 |
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Drawdowns
IYW vs. IXN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IYW drawdown since its inception was -81.90%, which is greater than IXN's maximum drawdown of -55.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYW and IXN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| IYW | IXN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -81.90% | -55.67% | -26.23% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -17.81% | -13.80% | -4.01% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.47% | -25.55% | -0.92% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -39.44% | -36.30% | -3.14% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.44% | -36.30% | -3.14% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.81% | -6.68% | +0.87% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -34.62% | -11.26% | -23.36% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.54% | 4.21% | +1.33% |
Volatility
IYW vs. IXN - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) is 9.41%, while iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) has a volatility of 12.01%. This indicates that IYW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IXN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| IYW | IXN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 9.41% | 12.01% | -2.60% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 17.67% | 20.45% | -2.78% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.47% | 24.03% | -2.56% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 26.07% | 25.19% | +0.88% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.20% | 24.58% | +0.62% |
IYW vs. IXN - Expense Ratio Comparison
IYW has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than IXN's 0.46% expense ratio.
Dividends
IYW vs. IXN - Dividend Comparison
IYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than IXN's 0.78% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF | 0.78% | 1.04% | 0.43% | 0.55% | 0.81% | 0.58% | 0.63% | 1.06% | 0.94% | 0.93% | 1.03% | 1.12% |
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
With a correlation of 0.97, IYW and IXN 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.
IXN has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to IYW (9.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYW dropped -81.90% vs IXN's -55.67%.
On 10-year performance, IYW leads with 25.63% vs 25.03% for IXN. On fees, IYW is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IYW has been the lower-risk option at 9.41%. 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 25.63% return vs 25.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IYW is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXN.
IXN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.11% for IYW.
IYW tracks Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while IXN tracks S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYW and 0.46% for IXN.
IXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.24), 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.
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