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IWM vs VTI: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VTI delivered the higher return - 9.72% CAGR vs 8.76% - over 2001-07-31 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| CAGR | 8.76% | 9.72% |
| Total return | 716.61% | 915.52% |
| Volatility | 19.99% | 15.36% |
| Max drawdown | -52.47%Feb 2009 | -50.84%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.44 | 0.57 |
| Sortino | 0.63 | 0.78 |
| Best year | 47.90% | 33.45% |
| Worst year | -34.14% | -36.99% |
| Final balance | $81,661 | $101,552 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.91. 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 VTI?
Over 2001-07-31 to 2026-06-30, VTI performed better: 9.72% annualized versus 8.76% for IWM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWM and VTI?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.91 over the common period. IWM is iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund; VTI is Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.
Which is riskier, IWM or VTI?
Over the common period IWM had 19.99% annualized volatility and a -52.47% max drawdown, versus 15.36% and -50.84% for VTI.