BKMC vs. IWR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BKMC (BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF) and IWR (iShares Russell Midcap ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - BKMC tracks the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index while IWR tracks the Russell Midcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKMC returned 7.92%/yr vs 8.17%/yr for IWR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BKMC charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWR.

Performance

BKMC vs. IWR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF (BKMC) and iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKMC achieves a 12.64% return, which is significantly lower than IWR's 14.90% return.

BKMC

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 12.64%
• 6M: 10.27%
• 1Y: 23.23%
• 3Y*: 15.87%
• 5Y*: 7.92%
• 10Y*: —

IWR

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 14.90%
• 6M: 13.08%
• 1Y: 23.04%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: 12.41%

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

BKMC vs. IWR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKMC BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF	12.64%	8.74%	13.78%	17.50%	-16.03%	23.83%	46.18%
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	14.90%	10.37%	15.21%	17.05%	-17.48%	22.44%	49.79%

Correlation

The correlation between BKMC and IWR is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2020	0.97

The correlation between BKMC and IWR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKMC vs. IWR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKMC	IWR
Industrials	22.7%	18.1%
Technology	16.6%	19.6%
Financial Services	12.7%	12.1%
Healthcare	11.7%	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	11.1%
Real Estate	8.2%	6.8%
Basic Materials	4.9%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	3.9%
Communication Services	3.6%	3.3%
Energy	3.3%	6.5%
Utilities	2.4%	5.7%

Return for Risk

BKMC vs. IWR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKMC

BKMC Risk / Return Rank: 52
BKMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
BKMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
BKMC Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BKMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BKMC Martin Ratio Rank: 58

IWR

IWR Risk / Return Rank: 60
IWR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
IWR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
IWR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWR Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IWR Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BKMC vs. IWR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF (BKMC) and iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR). 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.

	BKMC	IWR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.68	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.39	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.38	2.83	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	10.84	-1.73

BKMC vs. IWR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the IWR Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKMC and IWR, 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

BKMC vs. IWR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKMC drawdown since its inception was -25.02%, smaller than the maximum IWR drawdown of -58.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKMC and IWR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKMC	IWR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.02%	-58.78%	+33.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-8.17%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.68%	-21.09%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.02%	-26.18%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	0.00%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-7.79%	+1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.56%	2.13%	+0.43%

Volatility

BKMC vs. IWR - Volatility Comparison

BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF (BKMC) and iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR) have volatilities of 4.48% and 4.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKMC	IWR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.67%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.40%	10.51%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.43%	13.83%	+1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.84%	18.30%	+0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	19.36%	-0.22%

BKMC vs. IWR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKMC has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than IWR's 0.19% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BKMC vs. IWR - Dividend Comparison

BKMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than IWR's 1.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKMC BNY Mellon US Mid Cap Core Equity ETF	1.36%	1.35%	1.54%	1.38%	1.63%	1.15%	0.86%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	1.15%	1.29%	1.27%	1.43%	1.59%	1.04%	1.28%	1.43%	1.98%	1.52%	1.72%	1.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKMC and IWR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BKMC and IWR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BKMC or IWR?

IWR has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to BKMC (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKMC dropped -25.02% vs IWR's -58.78%.

Which ETF is better, BKMC or IWR?

On 5-year performance, IWR leads with 8.17% vs 7.92% for BKMC. On fees, BKMC is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, BKMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKMC or IWR?

Over the 5-year period, IWR has performed better with a 8.17% return vs 7.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKMC or IWR?

BKMC is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for IWR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKMC or IWR?

BKMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.15% for IWR.

What is the main difference between BKMC and IWR?

BKMC tracks Morningstar US Mid Cap Index, while IWR tracks Russell Midcap Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for BKMC and 0.19% for IWR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.52), 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.