VTWO vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTWO (Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - VTWO tracks the Russell 2000 Index while ISMD tracks the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTWO returned 6.28%/yr vs 7.62%/yr for ISMD. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTWO charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

VTWO vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTWO achieves a 17.08% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 21.54% return.

VTWO

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 17.08%
• 6M: 15.89%
• 1Y: 39.34%
• 3Y*: 18.11%
• 5Y*: 6.28%
• 10Y*: 11.07%

ISMD

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 21.54%
• 6M: 20.97%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTWO vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	17.08%	12.90%	11.55%	17.08%	-20.49%	14.79%	20.22%	25.81%	-11.15%	12.12%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	21.54%	4.14%	9.53%	16.74%	-13.44%	29.38%	7.45%	24.62%	-12.63%	8.43%

Correlation

The correlation between VTWO and ISMD is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2017	0.92

The correlation between VTWO and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTWO vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTWO	ISMD
Industrials	17.7%	17.7%
Technology	17.0%	17.3%
Healthcare	16.5%	9.5%
Financial Services	15.7%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	11.2%
Real Estate	6.1%	8.9%
Energy	6.1%	3.3%
Basic Materials	4.8%	5.2%
Utilities	2.9%	3.3%
Communication Services	2.4%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	6.1%

Return for Risk

VTWO vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTWO

VTWO Risk / Return Rank: 62
VTWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VTWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VTWO Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VTWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VTWO Martin Ratio Rank: 68

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 63
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

VTWO vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	VTWO	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.01	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.82	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	3.84	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	12.04	+0.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTWO vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTWO Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTWO and ISMD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VTWO	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	2.01	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.37	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.40	+0.12

Drawdowns

VTWO vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTWO drawdown since its inception was -41.19%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTWO and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTWO	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.19%	-44.60%	+3.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-9.64%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.57%	-26.64%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	-26.64%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.50%	-1.62%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.39%	-8.17%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	3.07%	+0.01%

Volatility

VTWO vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) has a higher volatility of 5.73% compared to Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) at 4.95%. This indicates that VTWO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTWO	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.73%	4.95%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	12.52%	+0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.12%	18.56%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.48%	20.87%	+1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.08%	23.74%	-0.66%

VTWO vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTWO has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTWO vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

VTWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than ISMD's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%	0.00%	0.00%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	1.08%	1.25%	1.21%	1.45%	1.48%	1.13%	0.92%	1.36%	1.41%	1.18%	1.27%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTWO and ISMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VTWO and ISMD 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, VTWO or ISMD?

VTWO has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to ISMD (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTWO dropped -41.19% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, VTWO or ISMD?

On 5-year performance, ISMD leads with 7.62% vs 6.28% for VTWO. On fees, VTWO is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, ISMD has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTWO or ISMD?

Over the 5-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 7.62% return vs 6.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTWO or ISMD?

VTWO is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTWO or ISMD?

VTWO has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 0.95% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between VTWO and ISMD?

VTWO tracks Russell 2000 Index, while ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VTWO and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 2.01), 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.