Loading…
Loading…
The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) was launched on May 22, 2000, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.
Small caps have been having a banner year, with the Russell 2000 outperforming the S&P 500 year-to-date. Some small-cap focused ETFs have also surpassed that benchmark.
If you hold the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM), you already know it as the default small-cap ticker on every financial channel.
The Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF provides more affordable access to small-cap equities with an expense ratio of 0.03%. The Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF tracks 1,727 stocks across the small-cap segment, whereas the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF holds a more concentrated portfolio of 652 companies.
IJR carries a slightly higher fee than VB. VB provides broader exposure, holding more than twice as many stocks as IJR.
The Russell 2000 has now lagged the broader market for many years. Small-cap stocks tend to perform well during periods of lower interest rates and economic expansion.
Small-cap investing used to come with a caveat. Smaller companies were cheaper, scrappier, and more leveraged.
Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF has a lower expense ratio of 0.04% compared to iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF's 0.06%. While iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF holds 641 stocks, Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF provides broader exposure with 1,706 holdings.