IWF vs IWD: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Growth vs Value
Quick Verdict
IWD edges out IWF with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between IWF and IWD
IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) is a us large-cap growth fund managed by BlackRock. IWF tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index, offering exposure to the largest and fastest-growing U.S. companies selected based on revenue growth, earnings growth, and price momentum. It captures a broader universe of growth stocks than S&P 500 growth funds because the Russell 1000 includes more companies. This fund is a popular choice for investors who want aggressive growth exposure in a single trade.
IWD (iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF) is a us large-cap value fund managed by BlackRock. IWD tracks the Russell 1000 Value Index, which selects stocks from the largest 1,000 U.S. companies based on lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth rates. It provides broad value exposure with more holdings than S&P 500 value funds. The fund is widely used by institutional investors and financial advisors as a core value allocation in diversified portfolios.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.19% vs 0.19%), number of holdings (440 vs 850), and 5-year returns (17.00% vs 9.50%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
IWF and IWD share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
IWF
Fee cost: $1,613
IWD
Fee cost: $1,613
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose IWF if: You want investors wanting broader growth exposure beyond just s&p 500 names, tactical traders who value the liquidity and options market around iwf, growth investors comfortable with higher expense ratios for russell methodology. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.19%.
Choose IWD if: You want investors who prefer russell index methodology over s&p or crsp indexes, institutional portfolios and advisor-managed accounts needing deep value diversification, options traders looking for a liquid value etf with active derivatives markets. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.19%.
Can You Own Both IWF and IWD?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, IWF and IWD complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy IWF or IWD?▾
IWD edges out IWF with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. IWF is best for investors who want investors wanting broader growth exposure beyond just s&p 500 names, while IWD is better suited for investors who prefer russell index methodology over s&p or crsp indexes.
What is the difference between IWF and IWD?▾
IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) tracks us large-cap growth investments with 440 holdings and a 0.19% expense ratio. IWD (iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF) focuses on us large-cap value with 850 holdings at 0.19%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both IWF and IWD?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, IWF and IWD complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.