BDVL vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BDVL is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

BDVL vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) 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, BDVL achieves a 4.71% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return.

BDVL

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 4.71%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

BDVL vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	3.48%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and IWM 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.71

BDVL vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVL	IWM
Technology	23.0%	19.5%
Industrials	15.4%	17.1%
Financial Services	13.9%	15.8%
Healthcare	11.1%	15.8%
Communication Services	10.7%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	2.1%
Utilities	4.8%	3.0%
Energy	2.8%	6.0%
Basic Materials	2.6%	4.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	5.7%

Return for Risk

BDVL vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

BDVL vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BDVL	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	0.37	+0.65

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-59.05%	+51.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.03%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.50%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-1.49%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-10.77%	+9.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.10%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.75%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.49%	19.20%	-9.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.49%	22.52%	-13.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.49%	23.04%	-13.55%

BDVL vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than IWM's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 BDVL and IWM in my portfolio?

BDVL and IWM 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 ETF is better, BDVL or IWM?

On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDVL or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between BDVL and IWM?

BDVL is categorized as Global Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.19% for IWM.