XJR vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XJR (iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - XJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index while ISMD tracks the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XJR returned 5.38%/yr vs 7.62%/yr for ISMD. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. XJR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

XJR vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) 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, XJR achieves a 14.91% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 21.54% return.

XJR

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 28.36%
• 3Y*: 14.13%
• 5Y*: 5.38%
• 10Y*: —

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)

XJR vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	4.73%	9.59%	16.39%	-17.30%	24.96%	35.61%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	21.54%	4.14%	9.53%	16.74%	-13.44%	29.38%	35.10%

Correlation

The correlation between XJR and ISMD is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2020	0.96

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

XJR vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XJR	ISMD
Financial Services	18.2%	15.2%
Technology	16.8%	17.3%
Industrials	15.5%	17.7%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	11.2%
Healthcare	10.7%	9.5%
Real Estate	7.6%	8.9%
Energy	4.7%	3.3%
Basic Materials	4.5%	5.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	6.1%
Communication Services	2.5%	2.5%
Utilities	2.0%	3.3%

Return for Risk

XJR vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

XJR

XJR Risk / Return Rank: 51
XJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
XJR Omega Ratio Rank: 43
XJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
XJR Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

XJR vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) 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.

	XJR	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.01	-0.40
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.82	-0.46
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	3.84	-0.82
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	12.04	-2.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XJR vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XJR Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XJR 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

	XJR	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60	2.01	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.37	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.40	+0.27

Drawdowns

XJR vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XJR drawdown since its inception was -27.14%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XJR and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XJR	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.14%	-44.60%	+17.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-9.64%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.14%	-26.64%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.14%	-26.64%	-0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-1.62%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.48%	-8.17%	-1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.07%	-0.14%

Volatility

XJR vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) have volatilities of 4.77% and 4.95%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XJR	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	4.95%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.22%	12.52%	-0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.85%	18.56%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.43%	20.87%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.73%	23.74%	-2.01%

XJR vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XJR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

XJR vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

XJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, more than ISMD's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	0.99%	1.14%	1.96%	0.92%	1.29%	2.00%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XJR and ISMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, XJR 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, XJR or ISMD?

ISMD has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to XJR (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XJR dropped -27.14% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, XJR or ISMD?

On 5-year performance, ISMD leads with 7.62% vs 5.38% for XJR. On fees, XJR is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, XJR has been the lower-risk option at 4.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XJR or ISMD?

Over the 5-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 7.62% return vs 5.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XJR or ISMD?

XJR is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

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

XJR has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.95% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between XJR and ISMD?

XJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index, while ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for XJR and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.60), 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.