VSCIX vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSCIX returned 11.48%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for IWM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSCIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

VSCIX vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) 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, VSCIX achieves a 15.44% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 21.64% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSCIX having a 11.48% annualized return and IWM not far ahead at 11.68%.

VSCIX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 15.44%
• 6M: 12.71%
• 1Y: 29.90%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: 7.88%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

IWM

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 21.64%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 44.01%
• 3Y*: 19.60%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 11.68%

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

VSCIX vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.44%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	21.64%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCIX and IWM is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000	0.97

The correlation between VSCIX and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSCIX vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSCIX	IWM
Industrials	20.7%	17.3%
Technology	18.8%	20.1%
Financial Services	11.9%	15.5%
Healthcare	11.0%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	8.0%
Real Estate	7.1%	5.5%
Energy	4.7%	6.0%
Basic Materials	4.7%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	2.0%
Utilities	3.1%	3.1%
Communication Services	2.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

VSCIX vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

VSCIX vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) 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.

	VSCIX	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.24	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	3.05	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.36	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	4.01	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.35	14.19	-1.83

VSCIX vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCIX 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.

Drawdowns

VSCIX vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCIX drawdown since its inception was -59.66%, roughly equal to the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCIX and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCIX	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.66%	-59.05%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-11.03%	+2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-27.50%	+2.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.13%	-31.91%	+3.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.81%	-41.13%	-0.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	0.00%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.11%	-10.75%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	3.11%	-0.68%

Volatility

VSCIX vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) is 5.30%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 6.47%. This indicates that VSCIX 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

	VSCIX	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	6.47%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	14.28%	-2.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	19.75%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	22.60%	-1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.60%	23.09%	-1.49%

VSCIX vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSCIX vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

VSCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, more 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%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.19%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSCIX and IWM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VSCIX and IWM 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.

Which is riskier, VSCIX or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to VSCIX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCIX dropped -59.66% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.81), 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.