ALTY vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ALTY (Global X Alternative Income ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ALTY is a Global Allocation fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ALTY returned 6.16%/yr vs 10.93%/yr for IWM. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ALTY charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

ALTY vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALTY achieves a 6.19% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return. Over the past 10 years, ALTY has underperformed IWM with an annualized return of 6.16%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively higher 10.93% annualized return.

ALTY

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 6.19%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 15.73%
• 3Y*: 11.40%
• 5Y*: 5.55%
• 10Y*: 6.16%

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

ALTY vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	6.19%	11.07%	10.88%	10.58%	-11.92%	23.08%	-12.82%	21.44%	-6.18%	10.82%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between ALTY and IWM is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2015	0.62

The correlation between ALTY and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

ALTY vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ALTY	IWM
Real Estate	33.2%	5.7%
Energy	21.0%	6.0%
Technology	18.3%	19.5%
Utilities	12.7%	3.0%
Communication Services	5.3%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	2.1%
Healthcare	1.4%	15.8%
Industrials	1.0%	17.1%
Basic Materials	0.4%	4.5%
Financial Services	0.1%	15.8%

Return for Risk

ALTY vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALTY

ALTY Risk / Return Rank: 82
ALTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
ALTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ALTY Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ALTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ALTY Martin Ratio Rank: 82

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

ALTY vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	ALTY	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.05	+0.68
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	2.85	+0.97
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.34	+0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	3.56	+0.08
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.84	12.64	+4.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ALTY vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALTY Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is higher than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALTY and IWM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ALTY	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.05	+0.68
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.27	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.48	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.37	-0.03

Drawdowns

ALTY vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALTY drawdown since its inception was -51.47%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALTY and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALTY	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.47%	-59.05%	+7.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.34%	-11.03%	+6.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.08%	-27.50%	+17.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.48%	-31.91%	+13.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.47%	-41.13%	-10.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-1.49%	+1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.75%	-10.77%	+4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	3.10%	-2.16%

Volatility

ALTY vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) is 1.41%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 5.75%. This indicates that ALTY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALTY	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.41%	5.75%	-4.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.38%	13.53%	-9.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.79%	19.20%	-13.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.61%	22.52%	-11.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	23.04%	-6.46%

ALTY vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALTY has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALTY vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

ALTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.08%, more than IWM's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	8.08%	7.50%	7.88%	7.31%	7.66%	6.88%	9.20%	8.74%	8.49%	7.52%	8.20%	4.21%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALTY and IWM in my portfolio?

ALTY and IWM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALTY or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to ALTY (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALTY dropped -51.47% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, ALTY or IWM?

On 10-year performance, IWM leads with 10.93% vs 6.16% for ALTY. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, ALTY has been the lower-risk option at 1.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ALTY or IWM?

Over the 10-year period, IWM has performed better with a 10.93% return vs 6.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ALTY or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ALTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ALTY or IWM?

ALTY has the higher dividend yield at 8.08%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between ALTY and IWM?

ALTY is categorized as Global Allocation, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. ALTY tracks Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ALTY and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.05), 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.