SMMV vs. VTWG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMMV (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF) and VTWG (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - SMMV tracks the MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index while VTWG tracks the Russell 2000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SMMV returned 5.18%/yr vs 5.28%/yr for VTWG. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMMV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VTWG.

Performance

SMMV vs. VTWG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMMV achieves a 4.84% return, which is significantly lower than VTWG's 20.68% return.

SMMV

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 4.84%
• 6M: 3.50%
• 1Y: 8.77%
• 3Y*: 12.21%
• 5Y*: 5.18%
• 10Y*: —

VTWG

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.58%
• YTD: 20.68%
• 6M: 16.99%
• 1Y: 38.16%
• 3Y*: 19.42%
• 5Y*: 5.28%
• 10Y*: 12.14%

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

SMMV vs. VTWG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMMV iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF	4.84%	6.42%	18.29%	5.63%	-10.00%	16.64%	-2.88%	24.21%	1.15%	14.31%
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	20.68%	13.07%	15.15%	18.90%	-26.49%	2.84%	34.72%	28.75%	-9.45%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between SMMV and VTWG is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2016	0.79

Over the past year, the correlation between SMMV and VTWG has dropped to 0.59 - well below their long-term average of 0.79, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SMMV vs. VTWG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMMV	VTWG
Healthcare	17.6%	22.0%
Technology	14.5%	25.8%
Industrials	13.5%	23.1%
Real Estate	12.6%	2.0%
Financial Services	8.9%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	2.3%
Utilities	7.5%	0.6%
Communication Services	5.3%	2.2%
Energy	5.3%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	7.1%
Basic Materials	1.6%	4.0%

Return for Risk

SMMV vs. VTWG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMMV

SMMV Risk / Return Rank: 27
SMMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
SMMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
SMMV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
SMMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
SMMV Martin Ratio Rank: 29

VTWG

VTWG Risk / Return Rank: 56
VTWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VTWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VTWG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VTWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VTWG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SMMV vs. VTWG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG). 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.

	SMMV	VTWG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.90	1.72	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.35	2.38	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.28	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	2.58	-1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.78	9.25	-5.47

SMMV vs. VTWG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.90, which is lower than the VTWG Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMMV and VTWG, 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

SMMV vs. VTWG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMMV drawdown since its inception was -38.77%, smaller than the maximum VTWG drawdown of -42.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMMV and VTWG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMMV	VTWG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.77%	-42.07%	+3.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.02%	-14.88%	+7.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-28.58%	+14.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.00%	-40.49%	+22.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.82%	-1.25%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.08%	-10.50%	+5.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.33%	4.14%	-1.81%

Volatility

SMMV vs. VTWG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV) is 2.60%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) has a volatility of 7.76%. This indicates that SMMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTWG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMMV	VTWG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.60%	7.76%	-5.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.56%	16.86%	-10.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.83%	22.32%	-12.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.48%	24.67%	-11.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.66%	24.27%	-8.61%

SMMV vs. VTWG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMMV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VTWG's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SMMV vs. VTWG - Dividend Comparison

SMMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than VTWG's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMMV iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF	1.73%	1.77%	1.76%	2.30%	1.67%	1.08%	1.39%	1.64%	1.72%	1.63%	0.79%	0.00%
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	0.59%	0.64%	0.55%	0.79%	0.71%	0.54%	0.48%	0.72%	0.72%	0.64%	0.96%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMMV and VTWG in my portfolio?

SMMV and VTWG have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMMV or VTWG?

VTWG has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to SMMV (2.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMMV dropped -38.77% vs VTWG's -42.07%.

Which ETF is better, SMMV or VTWG?

On 5-year performance, VTWG leads with 5.28% vs 5.18% for SMMV. On fees, VTWG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SMMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMMV or VTWG?

Over the 5-year period, VTWG has performed better with a 5.28% return vs 5.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMMV or VTWG?

VTWG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for SMMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMMV or VTWG?

SMMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.59% for VTWG.

What is the main difference between SMMV and VTWG?

SMMV tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, while VTWG tracks Russell 2000 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for SMMV and 0.06% for VTWG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.90), 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.