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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 IJR and IWM.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
IJR has lagged IWM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 32.50% total return against 36.20%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: IWM has compounded at 11.42% a year, against 11.30% for IJR. 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
IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IJR offers the higher yield at 1.19% vs 0.94% for IWM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
IJR is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.06% compared to 0.19%.
They track different benchmarks: IJR is linked to S&P SmallCap 600 Index while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
IJR is the larger fund by assets ($103B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IJR would generate roughly $9.92/month, while IWM would produce $7.83/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
IJR yield1.19%
IWM yield0.94%
Monthly diff on $10K$2.08
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IJR would cost approximately $60 in fees vs $190 for IWM (simplified, not compounded). The $130.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
IJR ER0.06%
IWM ER0.19%
Strategy & risk
IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index with an index approach, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index with an index approach. Beta is 1.14 for IJR and 1.29 for IWM, indicating IJR is less volatile relative to the market.
IJR beta1.14
IWM beta1.29
Fund details
IJR is managed by iShares (launched 05/22/2000) with $103B in assets. IWM is managed by iShares (launched 05/22/2000) with $77.5B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is IJR or IWM 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 IJR and IWM?
IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index with an index approach, while IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) tracks Russell 2000 Index with an index approach. They are issued by iShares and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both IJR and IWM?
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, IJR or IWM?
IJR has an expense ratio of 0.06% while IWM charges 0.19%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IJR vs IWM generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in IJR would generate roughly $9.92 per month ($119.00 annually). The same in IWM would produce about $7.83 per month ($94.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, IJR or IWM?
IJR has lagged IWM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 32.50% total return against 36.20%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: IWM has compounded at 11.42% a year, against 11.30% for IJR. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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