IJS vs. USVM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IJS (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF) and USVM (VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJS is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while USVM is a Momentum fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IJS returned 6.10%/yr vs 10.06%/yr for USVM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for USVM.

Performance

IJS vs. USVM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) and VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJS achieves a 17.37% return, which is significantly lower than USVM's 18.75% return.

IJS

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.94%
• YTD: 17.37%
• 6M: 16.01%
• 1Y: 37.29%
• 3Y*: 15.33%
• 5Y*: 6.10%
• 10Y*: 10.48%

USVM

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 18.75%
• 6M: 16.97%
• 1Y: 32.76%
• 3Y*: 20.77%
• 5Y*: 10.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

IJS vs. USVM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	17.37%	6.54%	7.33%	14.68%	-11.34%	30.53%	2.63%	24.11%	-12.86%	3.65%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	18.75%	10.56%	16.59%	18.90%	-13.23%	24.44%	11.56%	21.65%	-9.39%	2.06%

Correlation

The correlation between IJS and USVM is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2017	0.93

The correlation between IJS and USVM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJS vs. USVM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJS	USVM
Financial Services	19.4%	21.6%
Consumer Cyclical	15.4%	11.3%
Technology	13.4%	12.5%
Industrials	11.6%	12.4%
Real Estate	8.6%	12.1%
Healthcare	7.3%	11.3%
Energy	7.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	6.9%	1.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	4.8%
Utilities	2.1%	5.9%

Return for Risk

IJS vs. USVM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJS

IJS Risk / Return Rank: 69
IJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
IJS Omega Ratio Rank: 60
IJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IJS Martin Ratio Rank: 73

USVM

USVM Risk / Return Rank: 75
USVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
USVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
USVM Omega Ratio Rank: 68
USVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
USVM 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.

IJS vs. USVM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) and VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM). 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.

	IJS	USVM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.20	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	3.18	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.38	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	3.94	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.28	14.82	-1.54

IJS vs. USVM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJS Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the USVM Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJS and USVM, 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

IJS vs. USVM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJS drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, which is greater than USVM's maximum drawdown of -42.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJS and USVM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJS	USVM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-42.38%	-17.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-8.36%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.65%	-24.34%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.65%	-25.27%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-0.24%	-1.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-7.85%	-2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	2.22%	+0.60%

Volatility

IJS vs. USVM - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) has a higher volatility of 4.85% compared to VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) at 4.10%. This indicates that IJS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USVM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJS	USVM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.85%	4.10%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.82%	11.04%	+0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	14.96%	+3.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.94%	19.64%	+2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.59%	21.97%	+1.62%

IJS vs. USVM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than USVM's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IJS vs. USVM - Dividend Comparison

IJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, less than USVM's 1.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF	1.36%	1.62%	1.78%	1.42%	1.46%	1.52%	1.00%	1.66%	1.75%	1.41%	1.22%	1.59%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	1.77%	1.84%	1.75%	1.63%	1.43%	0.70%	1.21%	1.77%	1.43%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJS and USVM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IJS and USVM 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, IJS or USVM?

IJS has higher volatility (4.85%) compared to USVM (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJS dropped -60.11% vs USVM's -42.38%.

Which ETF is better, IJS or USVM?

On 5-year performance, USVM leads with 10.06% vs 6.10% for IJS. On fees, IJS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, USVM has been the lower-risk option at 4.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJS or USVM?

Over the 5-year period, USVM has performed better with a 10.06% return vs 6.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJS or USVM?

IJS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for USVM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJS or USVM?

USVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 1.36% for IJS.

What is the main difference between IJS and USVM?

IJS is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while USVM is Momentum. IJS tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, while USVM tracks Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Victory Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IJS and 0.29% for USVM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 2.05), 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.