Verified factor-similar pair

IWM vs VTWO

These two ETFs meet the same FF6 US comparison criteria: US-listed equity ETFs, the same USD model basis, at least one material non-market factor, and 100% overlap in statistically significant material factor exposure.

SMB
Similarity score
93
Near substitute

The score combines exposure-level distance, factor-vector shape, market-beta closeness, and a small backtested relative-Sharpe term.

Quick Read

  • VTWO has the higher backtested relative Sharpe (0.866 vs 0.798).
  • VTWO has the lower published fee (0.06% vs 0.19%).
  • VTWO is cheaper on dividend valuation (116 vs 142, where 100 is each fund's historical median).

These are screening signals, not a complete review of portfolio construction, turnover, taxes, or trading quality.

IWM

iShares Russell 2000 ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.986
Rel. Sharpe
0.798
Mkt beta
1.02
AUM
US$73.2B
MER
0.19%
Valuation
142

VTWO

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.991
Rel. Sharpe
0.866
Mkt beta
1.02
AUM
US$14.8B
MER
0.06%
Valuation
116

Factor Exposure Match

Blue bars compare raw factor beta magnitude. Green bars compare absolute t-stat strength. Dim bars indicate the t-stat is below 1.96.

SMB
IWM
+0.81
|t|
+50.7
VTWO
+0.85
|t|
+47.9
diff -0.04
HML
IWM
+0.10
|t|
+6.2
VTWO
+0.12
|t|
+6.8
diff -0.01
RMW
IWM
-0.08
|t|
-4.5
VTWO
-0.10
|t|
-4.8
diff +0.01
CMA
IWM
-0.00
|t|
-0.1
VTWO
-0.06
|t|
-2.2
diff +0.05
UMD
IWM
+0.04
|t|
+4.1
VTWO
+0.07
|t|
+5.2
diff -0.03

Why This Pair Matches

Exposure level
92
Exposure shape
100
Mkt beta diff
0.00
Rel. Sharpe diff
0.069

This comparison focuses on measured factor exposure. It does not compare holdings methodology, turnover, tax handling, or issuer process. Backtested relative Sharpe is a secondary signal rather than a stand-alone forecast. See methodology.

IWM fund page VTWO fund page US ETF Leaders US Universe
Important context

VerifiedBeta publishes educational ETF research, not personalized investment advice, portfolio management, or security recommendations. Funds that screen well here can still be unsuitable for your objectives, taxes, liquidity needs, or constraints. Review fund documents, methodology assumptions, and your own circumstances before acting. See the full disclaimer.