IWM vs HYG — 18-Year Performance Comparison
US Small-Cap vs High Yield Bonds — backtested 2007–2024
IWM wins$36,162 vs $22,983 on $10,000 over 18 years
IWMUS Small-Cap
Final value$36,162
CAGR+7.4%
Max drawdown-35.3%
Best year+39% (2013)
Years won12 of 18
HYGHigh Yield Bonds
Final value$22,983
CAGR+4.7%
Max drawdown-17.5%
Best year+29% (2009)
Years won6 of 18
Growth of $10,000
2007–2024IWMHYG
IWM$36,162
HYG$22,983
50/50 mix$29,670
50/50 blend: $29,670 (+6.2%/yr CAGR)
Splitting equally between IWM and HYG would have landed between the two — slightly lower CAGR than IWM but less volatility. Try a custom split →
Year-by-year: IWM vs HYG
| Year | IWM | HYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | +11.4% | +8.0% | IWM |
| 2023 | +16.8% | +11.5% | IWM |
| 2022 | -20.5% | -11.0% | HYG |
| 2021 | +14.5% | +3.8% | IWM |
| 2020 | +20.0% | +4.5% | IWM |
| 2019 | +25.4% | +14.1% | IWM |
| 2018 | -11.1% | -2.0% | HYG |
| 2017 | +14.6% | +6.1% | IWM |
| 2016 | +21.6% | +13.4% | IWM |
| 2015 | -4.5% | -5.0% | IWM |
| 2014 | +5.0% | +1.9% | IWM |
| 2013 | +38.7% | +5.8% | IWM |
| 2012 | +16.7% | +11.7% | IWM |
| 2011 | -4.4% | +6.8% | HYG |
| 2010 | +26.9% | +11.9% | IWM |
| 2009 | +28.5% | +28.5% | HYG |
| 2008 | -34.2% | -17.6% | HYG |
| 2007 | -1.8% | +1.6% | HYG |
More comparisons
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