Should iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) Be on Your Investing Radar?

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) is a leading option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and a focus on mid-cap companies that balance stability and growth potential [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF was launched on July 17, 2001, and is sponsored by Blackrock, with assets exceeding $19.54 billion, making it the largest ETF in its category [1]. - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.23% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.37%, which is competitive within the sector [4]. Group 2: Market Characteristics - Mid cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, provide a unique investment opportunity with a favorable risk-return profile compared to small and large companies [2]. - Growth stocks, while offering higher sales and earnings growth rates, come with higher valuations and risks, typically outperforming value stocks in bull markets but lagging over the long term [3]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Consumer Discretionary sector, comprising approximately 22.90% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Information Technology [5]. - The top holdings include Royal Caribbean Group Ltd (2.78% of total assets), Howmet Aerospace Inc, and Vistra Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 20.28% of total assets [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Russell MidCap Growth Index, which represents about 47% of the total market value of the Russell MidCap Index [7]. - As of July 23, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 10.64% year-to-date and 24.93% over the past year, with a trading range between $103.87 and $140.64 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap growth space include the iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) with $9 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.17%, and the Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) with $17.47 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [11]. Group 6: Investment Appeal - Passively managed ETFs like IWP are increasingly popular among retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [12].