What is the main difference between IJH and IJR?

The primary difference lies in the company size they target. IJH focuses on mid-cap companies, while IJR targets small-cap businesses. Mid-cap firms are generally larger and more established than small-caps, often resulting in different risk and growth profiles. Investors use these ETFs to gain exposure to distinct segments of the US equity market, allowing for diversified portfolio construction based on desired capitalisation exposure.

How does an ETF expense ratio affect long-term returns?

The expense ratio is an annual fee deducted from a fund's assets. IJH charges 0.05%, while IJR charges 0.06%. Although the one basis point difference seems small, compounding over time can impact net returns. For example, on a hypothetical $10,000 investment, IJH costs $5 annually, whereas IJR costs $6. Consistently lower fees allow more of your capital to remain invested, potentially enhancing long-term wealth accumulation through compounding.

What does 'Blend' mean in these ETF categories?

In this context, 'Blend' indicates that the ETF holds a mix of growth and value stocks rather than focusing exclusively on one style. For IJH and IJR, this means they include companies that may exhibit characteristics of both growth (higher revenue expansion) and value (lower valuations). This approach provides balanced exposure to the specific market cap segment, reducing the risk associated with style drift while capturing diverse investment opportunities.

Which fund has higher liquidity and why does it matter?

IJH has net assets of $123.7 billion compared to IJR's $106.6 billion. Larger net assets often indicate greater liquidity, meaning shares can be bought or sold with less impact on the price. High liquidity ensures tighter bid-ask spreads and easier execution of trades. For most retail investors, the difference between these two substantial asset bases is minimal, but IJH's larger size provides slightly more robust market depth.

Are there any overlapping top holdings between IJH and IJR?

According to the provided data, there are no shared top-10 holdings between IJH and IJR. This lack of overlap suggests that the two funds provide distinct exposure to different segments of the market. While they both track S&P indices, the capitalisation boundaries separate their constituent lists significantly. This supports their use as complementary investments rather than substitutes, as they do not duplicate the same specific large positions.

How do the dividend yields of these funds compare?

Both IJH and IJR report an identical dividend yield of 1.23%. This similarity suggests that, despite targeting different market capitalisations, the current income generation from their respective portfolios is comparable. However, dividend yields can fluctuate based on market prices and company payout decisions. Investors should not rely solely on this yield for income strategies, as it is modest compared to dedicated high-yield funds, reflecting a focus on growth and total return.

What are the risks associated with investing in small-cap funds like IJR?

Small-cap companies, such as those held by IJR, often exhibit higher volatility compared to larger companies. They may be more sensitive to economic downturns, have less access to capital, and display wider price fluctuations. While this can offer higher potential growth, it comes with increased risk of loss. IJR's small blend focus means it includes both growth and value small-caps, but the underlying segment remains inherently riskier than mid-caps.

How do mid-caps differ from small-caps in terms of stability?

Mid-cap companies, tracked by IJH, are generally more established than small-caps, often resulting in somewhat greater stability and resilience during market stress. However, they are not as large or potentially as stable as mega-cap firms. Mid-caps offer a 'sweet spot' with higher growth potential than large-caps but lower volatility than small-caps. This middle ground allows for exposure to growing companies that have surpassed the startup phase but are not yet industry giants.

What index data is missing from the comparison?

The provided summary states that the precise index tracked for both IJH and IJR is 'not available'. Typically, IJH tracks the S&P MidCap 400 and IJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600, but without explicit confirmation in the source data, we cannot verify the exact index methodologies. This information is crucial for understanding replication errors or tracking differences. Investors should consult official fund documents for definitive index tracking details.

Which fund is better for core versus satellite portfolio allocations?

IJH, with its mid-cap focus, is often used as a core holding for diversifying beyond large-cap indices, while IJR might serve as a satellite allocation for enhanced growth potential. Neither fund is strictly one or the other; the choice depends on your overall portfolio composition. Mid-caps bridge the gap between stability and growth, while small-caps offer higher risk/reward. Allocation decisions should align with your risk tolerance and existing market cap exposures.

What is the educational disclaimer for this comparison?

This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The data provided reflects a specific snapshot and may change over time. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. IJH and IJR carry market risks, including potential loss of principal. Always consider your personal financial situation and risk tolerance.

IJH vs IJR

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). This page outlines fee differences, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. IJH charges 0.05%, while IJR charges 0.06%. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IJH

Metric

IJR

0.05%

Expense Ratio

0.06%

1.23%

Dividend Yield

1.23%

$123.67B

Net Assets

$106.62B

413

Holdings

652

May 22, 2000

Inception Date

May 22, 2000

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Index Tracked

–

Mid-Cap Blend

Fund Category

Small Blend

IJH costs about $1.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

IJH

Pros

The iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF benefits from a low expense ratio of 0.05%.
Its mid-cap blend focus provides exposure to established growth and value companies.
Launched in May 2000, the fund has a long operational history.

Considerations

The dividend yield of 1.23% is modest for income-seeking investors.
Concentration risk is unavoidable as it tracks a capitalisation-weighted mid-cap index.
Data on the precise index tracked is not available in the current summary.

IJR

Pros

The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF offers access to the small-cap blend segment.
With assets under management of $106.6 billion, it demonstrates high liquidity.
Its low expense ratio of 0.06% makes cost-effective access to small caps.

Considerations

Small-cap blend portfolios can exhibit higher volatility than broader market indices.
The dividend yield of 1.23% may be insufficient for yield-focused strategies.
Top holdings and sector weights are not available in this summary.

About IJH and IJR

IJH (IJH)

The iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) offers investors exposure to a broad range of mid-capitalisation companies within the United States. Categorized as a Mid-Cap Blend fund, it aims to track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which represents approximately the middle two-thirds of the investable U.S. equity market. With net assets exceeding USD 123 billion, it is one of the largest ETFs in its category, providing substantial liquidity. The fund holds 413 distinct companies, allowing for diversified exposure across various sectors. It features a low expense ratio of 0.05%, making it a cost-effective tool for building core portfolios. Established in May 2000, this fund has a long history of operational stability. While it currently lists a dividend yield of 1.23%, it is important to note that dividend distributions are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on the underlying holdings' performance. As with any equity investment, the value of this ETF can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

IJR (IJR)

The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is designed to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, providing exposure to US small-capitalisation companies. With an expense ratio of just 0.06% and substantial net assets of USD 106.62 billion, it offers investors a cost-effective route to diversified small-cap equity exposure. The fund holds 652 securities, capturing a wide spectrum of the small-cap market, which is often characterised by higher growth potential but also greater volatility compared to large-cap firms. Investors may consider this ETF to balance their portfolios with the dynamism of smaller companies, which can be sensitive to economic cycles and interest rate changes. As with any investment in equities, values can fall as well as rise, and returns are not guaranteed. It serves as a building block for those seeking specific exposure to the US small-cap segment within a global or multi-asset strategy.

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IJH vs IJR

Fund Snapshot