IQSM vs. DEUS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) and DEUS (Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - IQSM tracks the IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net while DEUS tracks the Russell 1000 Comprehensive Factor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IQSM returned 11.37%/yr vs 14.88%/yr for DEUS. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. IQSM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DEUS.

Performance

IQSM vs. DEUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF (DEUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQSM achieves a 13.78% return, which is significantly lower than DEUS's 15.12% return.

IQSM

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -0.68%
• 6M: 10.23%
• YTD: 13.78%
• 1Y: 22.19%
• 3Y*: 11.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.08%

DEUS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 1.31%
• 6M: 10.90%
• YTD: 15.12%
• 1Y: 21.03%
• 3Y*: 14.88%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 11.33%
• ALL TIME*: 11.51%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DEUS Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF	$618.40K	$852.23K	$985.08K
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	$9.67K	$146.66K	$208.73K

IQSM vs. DEUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	13.78%	7.97%	9.15%	15.82%	2.29%
DEUS Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF	15.12%	10.41%	14.33%	14.73%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSM and DEUS is 0.85, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2022	0.92

The correlation between IQSM and DEUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQSM vs. DEUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQSM	DEUS
Industrials	20.7%	18.7%
Technology	18.8%	10.5%
Healthcare	14.9%	12.9%
Financial Services	12.4%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	11.1%
Real Estate	9.6%	5.6%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	7.5%
Communication Services	3.3%	3.2%
Energy	1.4%	5.2%
Utilities	0.7%	7.4%

Return for Risk

IQSM vs. DEUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IQSM

IQSM Risk / Return Rank: 61
IQSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
IQSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IQSM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IQSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IQSM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

DEUS

DEUS Risk / Return Rank: 80
DEUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
DEUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DEUS Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DEUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DEUS Martin Ratio Rank: 83

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IQSM vs. DEUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF (DEUS). 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.

	IQSM	DEUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.79	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.65	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.92	-0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.62	11.25	-2.64

IQSM vs. DEUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the DEUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSM and DEUS, 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

IQSM vs. DEUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSM drawdown since its inception was -23.66%, smaller than the maximum DEUS drawdown of -40.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSM and DEUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSM	DEUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.66%	-40.47%	+16.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-6.83%	-2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-16.69%	-6.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.89%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-1.53%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.70%	-4.28%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	1.77%	+0.63%

Volatility

IQSM vs. DEUS - Volatility Comparison

IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) has a higher volatility of 3.40% compared to Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF (DEUS) at 3.09%. This indicates that IQSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DEUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQSM	DEUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	3.09%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	8.23%	+3.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.10%	11.17%	+3.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.72%	15.49%	+2.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.72%	17.95%	-0.23%

IQSM vs. DEUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DEUS's 0.17% 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

IQSM vs. DEUS - Dividend Comparison

IQSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, less than DEUS's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DEUS Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF	1.38%	1.59%	1.36%	1.49%	1.74%	1.14%	1.61%	1.65%	1.77%	1.31%	2.75%
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.06%	1.18%	1.22%	1.11%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSM and DEUS in my portfolio?

IQSM and DEUS have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQSM or DEUS?

IQSM has higher volatility (3.40%) compared to DEUS (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSM dropped -23.66% vs DEUS's -40.47%.

Which ETF is better, IQSM or DEUS?

On 3-year performance, DEUS leads with 14.88% vs 11.37% for IQSM. On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, DEUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSM or DEUS?

Over the 3-year period, DEUS has performed better with a 14.88% return vs 11.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSM or DEUS?

IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for DEUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQSM or DEUS?

DEUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.38%, compared with 1.06% for IQSM.

What is the main difference between IQSM and DEUS?

IQSM tracks IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net, while DEUS tracks Russell 1000 Comprehensive Factor Index. They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSM and 0.17% for DEUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.38), 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.