CVAR vs. IWS

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

CVAR (Cultivar ETF) and IWS (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. CVAR is actively managed, while IWS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CVAR returned 7.42%/yr vs 15.65%/yr for IWS. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CVAR charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for IWS.

Performance

CVAR vs. IWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cultivar ETF (CVAR) and iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CVAR achieves a 2.25% return, which is significantly lower than IWS's 18.03% return.

CVAR

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: -1.34%
• YTD: 2.25%
• 1Y: 9.35%
• 3Y*: 7.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.36%
• 6M: 13.09%
• YTD: 18.03%
• 1Y: 24.27%
• 3Y*: 15.65%
• 5Y*: 9.56%
• 10Y*: 10.13%

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

CVAR vs. IWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CVAR Cultivar ETF	2.25%	14.95%	3.12%	11.74%	-5.03%	0.70%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	18.03%	10.82%	12.91%	12.52%	-12.29%	2.46%

Correlation

The correlation between CVAR and IWS is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2021	0.86

The correlation between CVAR and IWS shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CVAR vs. IWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CVAR

CVAR Risk / Return Rank: 26
CVAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
CVAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
CVAR Omega Ratio Rank: 24
CVAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CVAR Martin Ratio Rank: 24

IWS

IWS Risk / Return Rank: 74
IWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IWS Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
IWS 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.

CVAR vs. IWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cultivar ETF (CVAR) and iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS). 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.

	CVAR	IWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.80	1.80	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.21	2.60	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.32	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	3.24	-2.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.39	12.17	-9.78

CVAR vs. IWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CVAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.80, which is lower than the IWS Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CVAR and IWS, 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

CVAR vs. IWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CVAR drawdown since its inception was -19.39%, smaller than the maximum IWS drawdown of -62.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CVAR and IWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CVAR	IWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.39%	-62.40%	+43.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-7.53%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-20.57%	+4.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.70%	-0.37%	-4.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-7.99%	+2.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.93%	2.00%	+1.93%

Volatility

CVAR vs. IWS - Volatility Comparison

Cultivar ETF (CVAR) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) at 3.62%. This indicates that CVAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CVAR	IWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	3.62%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.00%	10.02%	-2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.74%	13.57%	-1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.41%	17.31%	-1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.41%	19.30%	-3.89%

CVAR vs. IWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CVAR has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than IWS's 0.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

CVAR vs. IWS - Dividend Comparison

CVAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, more than IWS's 1.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CVAR Cultivar ETF	1.49%	1.53%	3.57%	1.41%	5.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	1.31%	1.53%	1.50%	1.76%	1.93%	1.39%	1.87%	1.97%	2.53%	1.96%	2.10%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CVAR and IWS in my portfolio?

CVAR and IWS have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CVAR or IWS?

CVAR has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to IWS (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CVAR dropped -19.39% vs IWS's -62.40%.

Which ETF is better, CVAR or IWS?

On 3-year performance, IWS leads with 15.65% vs 7.42% for CVAR. On fees, IWS is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, IWS has been the lower-risk option at 3.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CVAR or IWS?

Over the 3-year period, IWS has performed better with a 15.65% return vs 7.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CVAR or IWS?

IWS is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for CVAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CVAR or IWS?

CVAR has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 1.31% for IWS.

What is the main difference between CVAR and IWS?

They also come from different issuers: Cultivar and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for CVAR and 0.23% for IWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 0.80), 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.