RB vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RB charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

RB vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) 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, RB achieves a 6.76% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return.

RB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 6.76%
• 6M: 8.48%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

RB vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	6.76%	10.58%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	14.98%

Correlation

The correlation between RB and IWM is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

RB vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

RB vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RB	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.15	0.37	+2.78

Drawdowns

RB vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RB drawdown since its inception was -1.70%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RB and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RB	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-59.05%	+57.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.03%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.50%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-1.49%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.41%	-10.77%	+10.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.10%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RB	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.75%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.21%	19.20%	-12.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.21%	22.52%	-16.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.21%	23.04%	-16.83%

RB vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RB has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

RB vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

RB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, 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%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.00%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RB and IWM in my portfolio?

RB and IWM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RB or IWM?

On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RB or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

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

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between RB and IWM?

RB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. RB tracks Russell 2000, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for RB and 0.19% for IWM.