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iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IJH and IJR.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
IJH has lagged IJR over the trailing twelve months, posting a 21.07% total return against 32.50%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — IJH has compounded at 11.41% a year, ahead of IJR at 11.30%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 7, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since May 2000” measures every fund from May 26, 2000 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IJR offers the higher yield at 1.19% vs 1.00% for IJH. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
IJH is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.05% compared to 0.06%.
They track different benchmarks: IJH is linked to S&P MidCap 400 Index while IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
IJH is the larger fund by assets ($118B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IJH would generate roughly $8.33/month, while IJR would produce $9.92/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
IJH yield1.00%
IJR yield1.19%
Monthly diff on $10K$1.58
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IJH would cost approximately $50 in fees vs $60 for IJR (simplified, not compounded). The $10.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
IJH ER0.05%
IJR ER0.06%
Strategy & risk
IJH tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index with an index approach, while IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index with an index approach. Beta is 1.05 for IJH and 1.14 for IJR, indicating IJH is less volatile relative to the market.
IJH beta1.05
IJR beta1.14
Fund details
IJH is managed by iShares (launched 05/22/2000) with $118B in assets. IJR is managed by iShares (launched 05/22/2000) with $103B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is IJH or IJR better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. IJR currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between IJH and IJR?
IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index with an index approach, while IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index with an index approach. They are issued by iShares and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both IJH and IJR?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, IJH or IJR?
IJH has an expense ratio of 0.05% while IJR charges 0.06%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IJH vs IJR generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in IJH would generate roughly $8.33 per month ($100.00 annually). The same in IJR would produce about $9.92 per month ($119.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, IJH or IJR?
IJH has lagged IJR over the trailing twelve months, posting a 21.07% total return against 32.50%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — IJH has compounded at 11.41% a year, ahead of IJR at 11.30%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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