IJR: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds on smaller US companies, historically more volatile than the large caps.
Data updated October 2026
IJR · US exchange · USDCategory: US small and mid cap ETFsData from October 2006
From October 2006 to October 2026 IJR returned 8.6% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $52,306.
Its deepest fall was 58.5%, from July 2007 to March 2009, and it took about 43 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 23.9%; at the last close it was 9.4% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 240 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.87: they usually moved together. Beta was 1.13. In months when SPY rose, IJR moved 105% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 117% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +8.6%
- 1-year return
- +17.0%
- 5 years, a year
- +5.5%
- 10 years, a year
- +10.0%
- Annual volatility
- 23.9%
- Maximum drawdown
- −58.5%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.40
- Worst year
- 2008: −31.9%
Trailing returns
| Period | IJR | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +17.0% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +16.2% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | +5.5% | +12.7% |
| 10 years, a year | +10.0% | +15.4% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: IJR vs SPY
Month-end values from November 2006, the first month both funds have data.
IJR drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | IJR | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +14.0% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +5.9% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | +8.6% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | +16.1% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −16.2% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | +26.6% | +28.7% |
| 2020 | +11.3% | +18.3% |
| 2019 | +22.8% | +31.2% |
| 2018 | −8.5% | −4.6% |
| 2017 | +13.2% | +21.7% |
| 2016 | +25.7% | +12.0% |
| 2015 | −2.8% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | +5.2% | +13.5% |
| 2013 | +40.5% | +32.3% |
| 2012 | +15.3% | +16.0% |
| 2011 | +0.3% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | +25.9% | +15.1% |
| 2009 | +25.2% | +26.4% |
| 2008 | −31.9% | −36.8% |
| 2007 | −1.0% | +5.1% |
| 2006(partial) | +3.3% | — |
IJR compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of IJR?
From October 2006 to October 2026 IJR returned 8.6% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +5.5% a year. Over the last 12 months: +17.0%.
What was the worst drawdown of IJR?
58.5%, from July 2007 to March 2009; it took about 43 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is IJR?
Annual volatility was 23.9% over the period. Its worst month was −22.6% and 61% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2008 (−31.9%).
How closely does IJR follow SPY?
Over 240 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.87, so they usually moved together, with a beta of 1.13.
Use IJR in a free tool
Other US small and mid cap ETFs
- All US small and mid cap ETFsReturns and risk side by side
- IWM — iShares Russell 2000 ETFCAGR +8.0%
- VB — Vanguard Small-Cap ETFCAGR +12.7%
- IJH — iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETFCAGR +8.4%
- MDY — SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF TrustCAGR +9.3%
- VO — Vanguard Mid-Cap ETFCAGR +11.5%
- SCHA — Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETFCAGR +10.8%
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.