IVVM vs. MAXJ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVVM (iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) and MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVVM is a Options Trading fund actively managed by iShares, while MAXJ is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, IVVM returned 16.27% vs 9.25% for MAXJ. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVVM achieves a 5.95% return, which is significantly higher than MAXJ's 2.88% return.

IVVM

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.95%
• YTD: 5.95%
• 6M: 6.15%
• 1Y: 16.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MAXJ

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 2.88%
• 6M: 3.34%
• 1Y: 9.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	5.95%	14.24%	6.59%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	2.88%	8.97%	4.55%

Correlation

The correlation between IVVM and MAXJ is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2024	0.78

The correlation between IVVM and MAXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IVVM vs. MAXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVM

IVVM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IVVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IVVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
IVVM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IVVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IVVM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 93
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). 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.

	IVVM	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	3.19	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	5.25	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.76	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	5.45	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.34	30.88	-15.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVVM Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the MAXJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVVM and MAXJ, 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

	IVVM	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	3.19	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.49	1.64	-0.15

Drawdowns

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVVM drawdown since its inception was -11.62%, which is greater than MAXJ's maximum drawdown of -6.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVVM and MAXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVVM	MAXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.62%	-6.35%	-5.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.31%	-1.70%	-3.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	0.00%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.56%	-0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.06%	0.30%	+0.76%

Volatility

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) has a higher volatility of 0.76% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) at 0.30%. This indicates that IVVM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MAXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVVM	MAXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.76%	0.30%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.62%	1.93%	+3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.04%	2.93%	+4.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.62%	5.28%	+4.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.62%	5.28%	+4.34%

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IVVM and MAXJ have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

IVVM vs. MAXJ - Dividend Comparison

IVVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%, less than MAXJ's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.65%	0.68%	0.62%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVVM and MAXJ in my portfolio?

IVVM and MAXJ have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVVM or MAXJ?

IVVM has higher volatility (0.76%) compared to MAXJ (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVVM dropped -11.62% vs MAXJ's -6.35%.

Which ETF is better, IVVM or MAXJ?

On 1-year performance, IVVM leads with 16.27% vs 9.25% for MAXJ. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, MAXJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVVM or MAXJ?

Over the 1-year period, IVVM has performed better with a 16.27% return vs 9.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVVM or MAXJ?

IVVM and MAXJ have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVVM or MAXJ?

MAXJ has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.65% for IVVM.

What is the main difference between IVVM and MAXJ?

IVVM is categorized as Options Trading, while MAXJ is Equity Hedged.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.32), 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.