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IWM vs VBR: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VBR delivered the higher return - 9.65% CAGR vs 9.06% - over 2004-02-29 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | VBR | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF |
| CAGR | 9.06% | 9.65% |
| Total return | 598.25% | 689.27% |
| Volatility | 19.72% | 19.10% |
| Max drawdown | -52.47%Feb 2009 | -55.88%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.45 | 0.49 |
| Sortino | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| Best year | 38.69% | 36.55% |
| Worst year | -34.14% | -32.20% |
| Final balance | $69,825 | $78,927 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.97. 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 VBR?
Over 2004-02-29 to 2026-06-30, VBR performed better: 9.65% annualized versus 9.06% for IWM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWM and VBR?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.97 over the common period. IWM is iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund; VBR is Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF.
Which is riskier, IWM or VBR?
Over the common period IWM had 19.72% annualized volatility and a -52.47% max drawdown, versus 19.10% and -55.88% for VBR.