GIF vs. IVVW

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GIF (REX Growth & Income Universe ETF) and IVVW (iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. GIF is actively managed, while IVVW is passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GIF charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IVVW.

Performance

GIF vs. IVVW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in REX Growth & Income Universe ETF (GIF) and iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF (IVVW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GIF

• 1D: -5.24%
• 1M: -9.43%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IVVW

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 3.49%
• 6M: 4.99%
• 1Y: 18.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GIF vs. IVVW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GIF REX Growth & Income Universe ETF	-0.71%
IVVW iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF	2.10%

Correlation

The correlation between GIF and IVVW 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2026	0.70

Return for Risk

GIF vs. IVVW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVW

IVVW Risk / Return Rank: 80
IVVW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
IVVW Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
IVVW Omega Ratio Rank: 89
IVVW Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
IVVW Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

GIF vs. IVVW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for REX Growth & Income Universe ETF (GIF) and iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF (IVVW). 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

	GIF	IVVW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.07	1.01	-1.08

Drawdowns

GIF vs. IVVW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GIF drawdown since its inception was -12.61%, smaller than the maximum IVVW drawdown of -16.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GIF and IVVW.

Drawdown Indicators

	GIF	IVVW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.61%	-16.79%	+4.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.67%	-1.56%	-10.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-1.75%	-1.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GIF	IVVW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.85%	7.57%	+29.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.85%	12.68%	+24.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.85%	12.68%	+24.17%

GIF vs. IVVW - Expense Ratio Comparison

GIF has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than IVVW's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

GIF vs. IVVW - Dividend Comparison

GIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.40%, less than IVVW's 19.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GIF REX Growth & Income Universe ETF	9.40%	0.00%	0.00%
IVVW iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF	19.96%	18.55%	13.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GIF and IVVW in my portfolio?

GIF and IVVW 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 ETF is better, GIF or IVVW?

On fees, IVVW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GIF or IVVW?

IVVW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for GIF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GIF or IVVW?

IVVW has the higher dividend yield at 19.96%, compared with 9.40% for GIF.

What is the main difference between GIF and IVVW?

They also come from different issuers: REX and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for GIF and 0.25% for IVVW.