CZA vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CZA (Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CZA is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index, while IWC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CZA returned 10.10%/yr vs 11.35%/yr for IWC. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CZA charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for IWC.

Performance

CZA vs. IWC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF (CZA) 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, CZA achieves a 5.97% return, which is significantly lower than IWC's 18.97% return. Over the past 10 years, CZA has underperformed IWC with an annualized return of 10.10%, while IWC has yielded a comparatively higher 11.35% annualized return.

CZA

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 5.97%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 13.18%
• 3Y*: 12.55%
• 5Y*: 6.64%
• 10Y*: 10.10%

IWC

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 18.97%
• 6M: 18.63%
• 1Y: 55.24%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 5.45%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

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

CZA vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CZA Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF	5.97%	8.31%	12.14%	7.00%	-5.91%	27.42%	0.35%	32.27%	-8.89%	21.90%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	18.97%	22.45%	13.63%	8.99%	-21.93%	18.67%	20.88%	22.20%	-13.13%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between CZA and IWC is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2007	0.70

The correlation between CZA and IWC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

CZA vs. IWC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CZA	IWC
Financial Services	23.8%	18.1%
Industrials	16.0%	13.3%
Healthcare	12.6%	28.1%
Utilities	10.6%	0.6%
Real Estate	10.5%	3.5%
Technology	10.5%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	5.3%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	1.9%
Energy	0.8%	4.7%
Communication Services	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

CZA vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

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

CZA

CZA Risk / Return Rank: 30
CZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
CZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
CZA Omega Ratio Rank: 27
CZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
CZA Martin Ratio Rank: 36

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 71
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

CZA vs. IWC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF (CZA) 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.

	CZA	IWC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	2.36	-1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	3.10	-1.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.37	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	4.47	-3.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.48	14.76	-9.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CZA vs. IWC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CZA Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is lower than the IWC Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CZA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CZA	IWC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.04	2.36	-1.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.22	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.47	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.31	+0.16

Drawdowns

CZA vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CZA drawdown since its inception was -53.20%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CZA and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CZA	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.20%	-64.61%	+11.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.21%	-12.43%	+3.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.92%	-29.46%	+10.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.92%	-40.68%	+21.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.18%	-47.21%	+1.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-2.90%	+2.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.88%	-15.28%	+8.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	3.75%	-1.34%

Volatility

CZA vs. IWC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF (CZA) is 3.13%, while iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) has a volatility of 7.29%. This indicates that CZA 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

	CZA	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	7.29%	-4.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.30%	17.26%	-7.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.78%	23.63%	-10.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.14%	24.42%	-8.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.28%	24.42%	-5.14%

CZA vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CZA has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than IWC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CZA vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

CZA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than IWC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CZA Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF	1.47%	1.56%	1.27%	1.36%	1.71%	0.89%	1.42%	1.40%	1.27%	1.10%	1.87%	1.37%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.91%	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 CZA and IWC in my portfolio?

CZA and IWC have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CZA or IWC?

IWC has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to CZA (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CZA dropped -53.20% vs IWC's -64.61%.

Which ETF is better, CZA or IWC?

On 10-year performance, IWC leads with 11.35% vs 10.10% for CZA. On fees, IWC is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, CZA has been the lower-risk option at 3.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CZA or IWC?

Over the 10-year period, IWC has performed better with a 11.35% return vs 10.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CZA or IWC?

IWC is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CZA.

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

CZA has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.91% for IWC.

What is the main difference between CZA and IWC?

CZA is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while IWC is Small Cap Blend Equities. CZA tracks Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index, while IWC tracks Russell Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CZA and 0.60% for IWC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.04), 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.