iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 Growth Index Fund ETF — how do they compare? iShares Russell 2000 ETF trades at $296.21, while Vanguard S&P 500 Growth Index Fund ETF trades at $82.04. The key difference: iShares Russell 2000 ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, Vanguard S&P 500 Growth Index Fund ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IWM | VOOG | |
|---|---|---|
52-Week High | $300.45 | $85.11 |
52-Week Low | $214.95 | $65.32 |
Sector | — | Broad Market / Factor |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IWM, the iShares Russell 2000 ETF, trades at $292.34, down 0.6% on the day. Technical indicators are mixed with a neutral overall signal, while moving averages show a bullish bias. The ETF has seen strong institutional inflows, with firms like AIA Group and Allspring Global Investments increasing their holdings significantly in Q1 2026 (SEC 13F filings, July 2026). Small-cap stocks have outperformed large-caps year-to-date, with the Russell 2000 up approximately 20% in 2026 (24/7 Wall Street, July 17, 2026).
The outlook for IWM hinges on continued small-cap strength, which is sensitive to interest rates and economic growth. While recent performance is robust, risks include higher volatility versus large-caps and potential Fed policy shifts. Analyst sentiment is divided, with some highlighting valuation concerns versus broader market ETFs.
VOOG, the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF, trades at $80.98, up 0.28% on the day. The technical outlook is bearish with moving averages signaling selling pressure, though oscillators are neutral. Recent news highlights its competitive expense ratio of 0.07% and heavy technology sector concentration, which has driven strong long-term returns but also introduces volatility. A 1:6 stock split occurred on April 21, 2026, and a small dividend is scheduled for June 26, 2026.
The ETF's outlook hinges on the performance of large-cap growth stocks, particularly in technology. Opportunities exist from continued AI-driven growth, but risks include high sector concentration and market sensitivity to tech valuations. Analyst sentiment is generally positive given its low-cost structure and historical performance, though the current bearish technical signal warrants caution.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The ETF is designed to track the performance of the securities and the stocks in the Russell 2000 Index. To maintain the composition and weightings, the advisor adjusts the ETF from time to time to conform to periodic changes in the index target.
Read more on IWM →VOOG is an index-based ETF that tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index, composed of the growth-oriented companies within the S&P 500. It selects constituents based on three key metrics—sales growth, the ratio of earnings change to price, and momentum—offering a highly liquid and low-cost way to capture the high-performing 'growth slice' of the broader U.S. large-cap market.
Read more on VOOG →