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IWM vs VB: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VB delivered the higher return - 10.03% CAGR vs 9.06% - over 2004-02-29 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | VB | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF |
| CAGR | 9.06% | 10.03% |
| Total return | 598.25% | 753.03% |
| Volatility | 19.72% | 18.94% |
| Max drawdown | -52.47%Feb 2009 | -53.70%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.45 | 0.51 |
| Sortino | 0.65 | 0.70 |
| Best year | 38.69% | 37.70% |
| Worst year | -34.14% | -36.18% |
| Final balance | $69,825 | $85,303 |
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 VB?
Over 2004-02-29 to 2026-06-30, VB performed better: 10.03% annualized versus 9.06% for IWM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWM and VB?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.99 over the common period. IWM is iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund; VB is Vanguard Small-Cap ETF.
Which is riskier, IWM or VB?
Over the common period IWM had 19.72% annualized volatility and a -52.47% max drawdown, versus 18.94% and -53.70% for VB.