IYW: ISHARES U.S. TECHNOLOGY ETF
Share-split context: A forward split was recorded on Dec 7, 2020 with coefficient 4. A forward split turns each old share into multiple new shares and lowers the quoted price per share proportionally. Proportional ownership is unchanged at the split moment, so the split itself creates neither a gain nor a loss. The price-return figures in this report are already split-adjusted.
iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW)
The iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) is designed to provide exposure to the U.S. technology sector. It is characterized by strong price growth and a very low distribution yield.
What this ETF is trying to do
IYW invests in technology companies. Based on the Top Holdings data from October 8, 2026, the fund is heavily weighted toward a few giant tech firms. Its largest holdings include NVIDIA Corp (16.98%), Apple Inc (15.63%), and Microsoft Corp (11.78%). Other notable holdings include Meta Platforms Inc (3.46%) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc (3.26%). Because holdings can change over time, these percentages represent a snapshot of the portfolio.
What the numbers show
The fund has seen significant growth over several timeframes. The split-adjusted price return (which measures only the change in share price) is 37.27% over the last year and 151.48% over the last three years. Year-to-date, the price return is 35.97%.
When including distributions, the total return is slightly higher: 37.43% over one year and 152.99% over three years. The five-year total return is 166.38%.
IYW has a history of forward splits. On December 7, 2020, it had a 4-for-1 split. This means every old share became four new shares, and the price per share fell proportionally. This event did not create a gain or loss; it simply changed the number of shares held.
Income and distribution explanation
IYW is not designed for high income. It has a distribution yield of approximately 0.09%. It usually pays distributions quarterly, with four payments made in the last 12 months. For most investors, the primary goal of this ETF is price growth rather than cash income.
NAV erosion explanation
The supplied data is sufficient to evaluate price erosion, but it does not include enough historical NAV-per-share data to confirm or rule out NAV erosion. However, the price-based evidence is positive. The fund has an erosion score of 100, and the erosion label states "No price erosion detected." There is no severe erosion-risk flag for this ETF.
Pros
• Strong Growth: The fund has shown high price returns over one, three, and five-year periods.
• Top-Tier Exposure: It holds significant positions in some of the largest technology companies in the world.
• Price Stability: No price erosion was detected based on the supplied score.
Cons
• Low Income: The distribution yield is very low, making it less attractive for those seeking regular cash payments.
• Concentration: A large portion of the fund is tied to just a few companies, which may increase risk if those specific companies struggle.
Beginner takeaway
IYW is a growth-focused fund. While it provides a very small amount of income, its main appeal is the increase in share price. Investors should remember that a high distribution yield is not the only way to make money; in this case, the total return has been driven almost entirely by price increases.
Top Holdings
Structured portfolio holdings supplied by the ETF data provider. These figures are not generated by the AI article.
| # | Holding | Ticker | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NVIDIA CORP | NVDA | 16.98% |
| 2 | APPLE INC | AAPL | 15.63% |
| 3 | MICROSOFT CORP | MSFT | 11.78% |
| 4 | META PLATFORMS INC CLASS A | META | 3.46% |
| 5 | ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC | AMD | 3.26% |
| 6 | BROADCOM INC | AVGO | 3.22% |
| 7 | MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC | MU | 3.10% |
| 8 | INTEL CORP | INTC | 2.69% |
| 9 | ALPHABET INC CLASS A | GOOGL | 2.51% |
| 10 | ALPHABET INC CLASS C | GOOG | 2.03% |