(IWC) iShares Micro-Cap - Ratings and Ratios

The iShares Micro‑Cap ETF (ticker IWC) is a U.S.–registered exchange‑traded fund that targets the micro‑cap segment of the domestic equity market, classified under the Small Blend category.

Key performance indicators: 52‑week price range spans $97.17 to $143.22, indicating a 47% swing. Beta of 1.17 reflects amplified sensitivity to broad market movements. Average true range of 2.05 points (≈1.43% of price) signals moderate intraday volatility. Daily average trading volume is ~34,900 shares, supporting modest liquidity. Expense ratio stands at 0.35%, assets under management exceed $1.2 billion, and the fund holds roughly 1,200 constituents with an annual turnover near 30%. Distribution yield is 0.45%, and tracking error relative to the Russell Microcap Index averages 0.12%.

Economic drivers: Micro‑cap performance correlates strongly with U.S. GDP growth, consumer discretionary spending, and small‑business financing conditions. Low‑interest‑rate environments boost earnings forecasts for these firms, while tightening monetary policy compresses valuations. Fiscal stimulus and infrastructure spending disproportionately benefit micro‑cap exposure to industrials, materials, and technology services, which together comprise over 55% of the portfolio.

Risk profile: The fund’s beta above unity and concentrated exposure to low‑liquidity stocks elevate market and execution risk. Volatility is heightened during periods of rapid rate changes or recessionary signals, as cash‑flow constraints hit micro‑caps harder than larger peers. Investors should monitor interest‑rate outlooks, credit conditions, and sector rotation for impact on fund performance.