VXF vs. IWR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and IWR (iShares Russell Midcap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P Completion Index, while IWR is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXF returned 12.08%/yr vs 11.55%/yr for IWR. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWR.

Performance

VXF vs. IWR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXF achieves a 13.78% return, which is significantly higher than IWR's 12.43% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VXF having a 12.08% annualized return and IWR not far behind at 11.55%.

VXF

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: 4.75%
• YTD: 13.78%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 28.88%
• 3Y*: 19.75%
• 5Y*: 6.53%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

IWR

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 12.43%
• 6M: 12.21%
• 1Y: 21.66%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 8.00%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

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

VXF vs. IWR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	13.78%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-9.34%	18.06%
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	12.43%	10.37%	15.21%	17.05%	-17.48%	22.44%	16.93%	30.23%	-9.10%	18.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and IWR is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2002	0.95

The correlation between VXF and IWR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXF vs. IWR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXF	IWR
Technology	19.8%	17.2%
Industrials	19.3%	18.4%
Financial Services	14.6%	12.5%
Healthcare	13.3%	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	11.2%
Real Estate	6.0%	7.0%
Energy	5.1%	7.2%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.3%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	4.1%
Utilities	2.0%	6.1%

Return for Risk

VXF vs. IWR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 57

IWR

IWR Risk / Return Rank: 49
IWR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IWR Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IWR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IWR Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
IWR 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.

VXF vs. IWR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR). 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.

	VXF	IWR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.63	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.35	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.28	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	2.66	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	10.28	-0.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VXF vs. IWR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the IWR Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF and IWR, 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

	VXF	IWR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.63	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.44	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.60	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.49	-0.04

Drawdowns

VXF vs. IWR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, roughly equal to the maximum IWR drawdown of -58.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and IWR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	IWR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-58.78%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-8.17%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-21.09%	-5.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-26.18%	-10.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	-40.59%	-1.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-0.26%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.55%	-7.80%	-1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	2.11%	+0.76%

Volatility

VXF vs. IWR - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) has a higher volatility of 4.87% compared to iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR) at 3.26%. This indicates that VXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXF	IWR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	3.26%	+1.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.44%	9.84%	+2.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.22%	13.39%	+3.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	18.23%	+4.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.29%	19.36%	+2.93%

VXF vs. IWR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IWR'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

VXF vs. IWR - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than IWR's 1.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	1.15%	1.29%	1.27%	1.43%	1.59%	1.04%	1.28%	1.43%	1.98%	1.52%	1.72%	1.59%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and IWR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VXF and IWR 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, VXF or IWR?

VXF has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to IWR (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs IWR's -58.78%.

Which ETF is better, VXF or IWR?

On 10-year performance, VXF leads with 12.08% vs 11.55% for IWR. On fees, VXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IWR has been the lower-risk option at 3.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXF or IWR?

Over the 10-year period, VXF has performed better with a 12.08% return vs 11.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXF or IWR?

VXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for IWR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXF or IWR?

IWR has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 1.02% for VXF.

What is the main difference between VXF and IWR?

VXF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while IWR is Mid Cap Growth Equities. VXF tracks S&P Completion Index, while IWR tracks Russell Midcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXF and 0.19% for IWR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.63), 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.