Okay, let’s talk ETFs. Because apparently, deciding how to park your money is now a competitive sport. We’ve got the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (NYSEMKT:IWN) and the iShares SP Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (NYSEMKT:IJJ) duking it out. Both are trying to give you that sweet, sweet “value” exposure, but they’re doing it with different sized companies. It’s like choosing between a chihuahua and a golden retriever for the job of guarding your portfolio. Both have teeth, but… you get the idea.
Snapshot (aka, the fine print)
| Metric | IWN | IJJ |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | iShares | iShares |
| Expense ratio | 0.24% | 0.18% |
| 1-yr return (as of Jan. 7, 2026) | 18.44% | 10.84% |
| Dividend yield | 1.53% | 1.7% |
| AUM | $12.59 billion | $8.47 billion |
IJJ is the slightly cheaper option, which is good news if you’re the type who gets hives thinking about fees. It also throws off a marginally better dividend yield. Because, let’s be honest, we’re all just chasing that passive income dream, right?
Performance & Risk: Or, How Much Sleep Will You Lose?
| Metric | IWN | IJJ |
|---|---|---|
| Max drawdown (5 y) | (26.71%) | (22.68%) |
| Growth of $1,000 over 5 years | $1,338 | $1,528 |
What’s Inside the Magic Box?
IJJ is all about mid-cap value stocks. Think industrials, financials, and companies that depend on you occasionally buying things you don’t need. Their biggest holdings include US Foods Holding Corp. (USFD +2.78%), Reliance, Inc.(RS +3.21%), and Alcoa Corp. (AA +4.93%). It’s been around for 20 years, which in ETF years is basically ancient.
IWN, meanwhile, is holding a whopping 1,413 small-cap stocks. That’s a lot of tiny companies. Their top picks are EchoStar Corp.(SATS +4.22%), Hecla Mining Company (HL +6.73%), and TTM Technologies, Inc. (TTMI +6.48%). It’s like they’re trying to diversify their way to safety, but honestly, it just feels a little… chaotic.
Need more ETF guidance? There’s a full guide at this link. (I haven’t read it, but I assume it’s very thorough.)
So, Which One Do You Choose?
Okay, let’s get real. Risk tolerance is key. Small-cap stocks are basically the teenagers of the investment world – volatile, unpredictable, and prone to making questionable decisions. They could grow like crazy, or they could crash and burn. It’s a gamble. Mid-cap stocks are more like the responsible adults. They’ve got a little more stability, a little more foundation. They’re not going to set the world on fire, but they’re also not likely to leave you weeping into your 401k.
And here’s the kicker: over the past five years, IJJ has outperformed IWN by a cool 20%. So, if you want a less stressful investment experience and still see some decent gains, IJJ is the way to go. It’s like choosing the comfortable shoes over the stilettos. You might not be the most glamorous investor, but you’ll definitely be able to walk without falling over.
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2026-02-08 19:23