ABLS vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ABLS (Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - ABLS tracks the Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders Index while IWC tracks the Russell Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ABLS returned 8.13% vs 56.41% for IWC. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ABLS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for IWC.

Performance

ABLS vs. IWC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABLS achieves a 10.87% return, which is significantly lower than IWC's 22.38% return.

ABLS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 7.81%
• YTD: 10.87%
• 6M: 8.32%
• 1Y: 8.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWC

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 22.38%
• 6M: 19.49%
• 1Y: 56.41%
• 3Y*: 22.77%
• 5Y*: 5.48%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ABLS vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	10.87%	-8.72%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	22.38%	21.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ABLS and IWC is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2025	0.75

The correlation between ABLS and IWC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ABLS vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ABLS

ABLS Risk / Return Rank: 15
ABLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
ABLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
ABLS Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ABLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ABLS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 75
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 80

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ABLS vs. IWC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ABLS	IWC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	2.33	-1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	3.01	-2.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.36	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.50	4.56	-4.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.40	14.85	-13.44

ABLS vs. IWC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ABLS Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the IWC Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ABLS and IWC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ABLS vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABLS drawdown since its inception was -19.28%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABLS and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABLS	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.28%	-64.61%	+45.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.19%	-12.43%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.79%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.18%	-15.24%	+7.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.81%	3.81%	+2.00%

Volatility

ABLS vs. IWC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) is 4.63%, while iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) has a volatility of 8.51%. This indicates that ABLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ABLS	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	8.51%	-3.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.10%	18.17%	-5.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.72%	24.36%	-6.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	24.58%	-3.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.17%	24.50%	-3.33%

ABLS vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABLS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than IWC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

ABLS vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

ABLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.68%, more than IWC's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	12.68%	14.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABLS and IWC in my portfolio?

ABLS and IWC have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ABLS or IWC?

IWC has higher volatility (8.51%) compared to ABLS (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ABLS dropped -19.28% vs IWC's -64.61%.

Which ETF is better, ABLS or IWC?

On 1-year performance, IWC leads with 56.41% vs 8.13% for ABLS. On fees, ABLS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, ABLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ABLS or IWC?

Over the 1-year period, IWC has performed better with a 56.41% return vs 8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ABLS or IWC?

ABLS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for IWC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ABLS or IWC?

ABLS has the higher dividend yield at 12.68%, compared with 0.98% for IWC.

What is the main difference between ABLS and IWC?

ABLS tracks Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders Index, while IWC tracks Russell Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Abacus and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ABLS and 0.60% for IWC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 0.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.