XHB vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

XHB (SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XHB is a Building & Construction fund tracking the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XHB returned 12.51%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for IWM. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XHB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

XHB vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) 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, XHB achieves a 0.69% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 14.62% return. Over the past 10 years, XHB has outperformed IWM with an annualized return of 12.51%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively lower 10.54% annualized return.

XHB

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 0.83%
• YTD: 0.69%
• 6M: -3.32%
• 1Y: 9.49%
• 3Y*: 12.63%
• 5Y*: 7.92%
• 10Y*: 12.51%

IWM

• 1D: -3.55%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 14.62%
• 6M: 12.89%
• 1Y: 34.35%
• 3Y*: 16.56%
• 5Y*: 5.66%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

XHB vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XHB SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF	0.69%	-0.69%	9.87%	60.10%	-28.93%	49.70%	27.97%	41.30%	-25.73%	31.80%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	14.62%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between XHB and IWM is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2006	0.76

The correlation between XHB and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XHB vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XHB	IWM
Consumer Cyclical	60.8%	7.9%
Industrials	38.1%	17.2%
Real Estate	1.1%	5.6%
Basic Materials	-	4.5%
Communication Services	-	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.1%
Energy	-	5.8%
Financial Services	-	15.6%
Healthcare	-	16.1%
Technology	-	19.5%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

XHB vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XHB

XHB Risk / Return Rank: 14
XHB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
XHB Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XHB Omega Ratio Rank: 14
XHB Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
XHB Martin Ratio Rank: 13

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 59
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 51
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

XHB vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) 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.

	XHB	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.31	1.88	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.70	2.60	-1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.31	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	3.33	-2.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.83	11.78	-10.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XHB vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XHB Sharpe Ratio is 0.31, which is lower than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XHB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XHB	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31	1.88	-1.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.25	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.46	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.36	-0.20

Drawdowns

XHB vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XHB drawdown since its inception was -81.61%, which is greater than IWM's maximum drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XHB and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XHB	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.61%	-59.05%	-22.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.71%	-11.03%	-10.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.53%	-27.50%	-3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.46%	-31.91%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.57%	-41.13%	-8.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.62%	-3.55%	-13.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.60%	-10.76%	-16.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.36%	3.11%	+7.25%

Volatility

XHB vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) has a higher volatility of 7.93% compared to iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) at 6.65%. This indicates that XHB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XHB	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.93%	6.65%	+1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.00%	14.00%	+6.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.70%	19.54%	+8.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.64%	22.58%	+5.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.41%	23.06%	+4.35%

XHB vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XHB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

XHB vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

XHB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than IWM's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.90%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%
XHB SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF	0.62%	0.78%	0.59%	0.77%	1.06%	0.51%	0.73%	0.89%	1.25%	0.72%	0.67%	0.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XHB and IWM in my portfolio?

XHB and IWM have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XHB or IWM?

XHB has higher volatility (7.93%) compared to IWM (6.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XHB dropped -81.61% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, XHB or IWM?

On 10-year performance, XHB leads with 12.51% vs 10.54% for IWM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 6.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XHB or IWM?

Over the 10-year period, XHB has performed better with a 12.51% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XHB or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XHB.

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.62% for XHB.

What is the main difference between XHB and IWM?

XHB is categorized as Building & Construction, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. XHB tracks S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XHB and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 0.31), 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.