IVV vs. IWS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) and IWS (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while IWS is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVV returned 15.47%/yr vs 10.51%/yr for IWS. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for IWS.

Performance

IVV vs. IWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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, IVV achieves a 9.08% return, which is significantly lower than IWS's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, IVV has outperformed IWS with an annualized return of 15.47%, while IWS has yielded a comparatively lower 10.51% annualized return.

IVV

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 6M: 9.43%
• 1Y: 25.77%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.42%
• 10Y*: 15.47%

IWS

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: 5.35%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 29.26%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

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

IVV vs. IWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	9.08%	17.85%	24.93%	26.31%	-18.16%	28.76%	18.40%	31.07%	-4.49%	21.75%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	16.45%	10.82%	12.91%	12.52%	-12.29%	28.10%	4.83%	26.73%	-12.43%	13.14%

Correlation

The correlation between IVV and IWS is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2001	0.89

The correlation between IVV and IWS shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IVV vs. IWS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVV	IWS
Technology	39.0%	18.7%
Financial Services	11.1%	13.7%
Communication Services	10.6%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	8.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	7.6%
Industrials	7.8%	16.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.7%
Energy	3.1%	7.4%
Utilities	2.1%	6.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	8.3%
Basic Materials	1.7%	5.3%

Return for Risk

IVV vs. IWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVV

IVV Risk / Return Rank: 70
IVV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IVV Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
IVV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

IWS

IWS Risk / Return Rank: 76
IWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IWS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
IWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IWS Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

IVV vs. IWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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.

	IVV	IWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	2.05	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.91	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.36	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.68	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.43	13.82	-1.38

IVV vs. IWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVV Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the IWS Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVV 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

IVV vs. IWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVV drawdown since its inception was -55.25%, smaller than the maximum IWS drawdown of -62.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVV and IWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVV	IWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.25%	-62.40%	+7.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-7.53%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.75%	-20.57%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.53%	-21.23%	-3.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.90%	-43.83%	+9.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	0.00%	-2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-8.01%	-2.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	2.00%	-0.03%

Volatility

IVV vs. IWS - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) have volatilities of 4.37% and 4.29%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVV	IWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	4.29%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	9.97%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.28%	13.53%	-1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.36%	-0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.08%	19.37%	-1.29%

IVV vs. IWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than IWS's 0.23% 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

IVV vs. IWS - Dividend Comparison

IVV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than IWS's 1.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	1.08%	1.17%	1.30%	1.44%	1.66%	1.20%	1.57%	1.85%	2.21%	1.75%	2.01%	2.27%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	1.32%	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 IVV and IWS in my portfolio?

IVV and IWS have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVV or IWS?

IVV has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to IWS (4.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVV dropped -55.25% vs IWS's -62.40%.

Which ETF is better, IVV or IWS?

On 10-year performance, IVV leads with 15.47% vs 10.51% for IWS. On fees, IVV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVV or IWS?

Over the 10-year period, IVV has performed better with a 15.47% return vs 10.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVV or IWS?

IVV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for IWS.

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

IWS has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 1.08% for IVV.

What is the main difference between IVV and IWS?

IVV is categorized as S&P 500, while IWS is Mid Cap Value Equities. IVV tracks S&P 500 Index, while IWS tracks Russell Midcap Value Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for IVV and 0.23% for IWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 2.00), 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.