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IWM vs VTI: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VTI delivered the higher return - 9.54% CAGR vs 8.63% - over 2001-07-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| CAGR | 8.63% | 9.54% |
| Total return | 698.03% | 882.97% |
| Volatility | 19.97% | 15.35% |
| Max drawdown | -52.47%Feb 2009 | -50.84%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.43 | 0.56 |
| Sortino | 0.63 | 0.77 |
| Best year | 47.90% | 33.45% |
| Worst year | -34.14% | -36.99% |
| Final balance | $79,803 | $98,297 |
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 2026-07-31, VTI performed better: 9.54% annualized versus 8.63% 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 19.97% annualized volatility and a -52.47% max drawdown, versus 15.35% and -50.84% for VTI.