vs
IWM vs SCHA: Performance & Backtest Comparison
SCHA delivered the higher return - 12.25% CAGR vs 11.72% - over 2009-12-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | SCHA | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF |
| CAGR | 11.72% | 12.25% |
| Total return | 533.87% | 585.94% |
| Volatility | 19.54% | 19.20% |
| Max drawdown | -32.29%Mar 2020 | -32.27%Mar 2020 |
| Sharpe | 0.59 | 0.63 |
| Sortino | 0.91 | 0.93 |
| Best year | 38.69% | 39.51% |
| Worst year | -20.84% | -19.80% |
| Final balance | $63,387 | $68,594 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.99. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, IWM or SCHA?
Over 2009-12-31 to 2026-07-31, SCHA performed better: 12.25% annualized versus 11.72% for IWM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWM and SCHA?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.99 over the common period. IWM is iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund; SCHA is Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF.
Which is riskier, IWM or SCHA?
Over the common period IWM had 19.54% annualized volatility and a -32.29% max drawdown, versus 19.20% and -32.27% for SCHA.