IVVW vs. BUYW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVVW (iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF) and BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. IVVW is passively managed, while BUYW is actively managed. Over the past year, IVVW returned 20.07% vs 9.76% for BUYW. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVVW charges 0.25%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BUYW.

Performance

IVVW vs. BUYW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVVW achieves a 4.84% return, which is significantly higher than BUYW's 3.39% return.

IVVW

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 4.84%
• 6M: 6.58%
• 1Y: 20.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUYW

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 3.39%
• 6M: 4.27%
• 1Y: 9.76%
• 3Y*: 8.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IVVW vs. BUYW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IVVW iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF	4.84%	11.71%	12.90%
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	3.39%	9.08%	8.00%

Correlation

The correlation between IVVW and BUYW is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2024	0.62

The correlation between IVVW and BUYW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVVW vs. BUYW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVVW	BUYW
Technology	35.6%	24.0%
Financial Services	11.8%	15.3%
Communication Services	11.2%	16.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	6.4%
Healthcare	8.5%	13.0%
Industrials	8.3%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	3.2%
Energy	3.5%	13.6%
Utilities	2.4%	1.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.0%

Return for Risk

IVVW vs. BUYW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVW

IVVW Risk / Return Rank: 82
IVVW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IVVW Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
IVVW Omega Ratio Rank: 91
IVVW Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
IVVW Martin Ratio Rank: 87

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 71
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 66
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUYW Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

IVVW vs. BUYW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF (IVVW) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). 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.

	IVVW	BUYW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.03	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.77	3.08	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.40	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	3.79	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.13	20.24	-1.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVVW vs. BUYW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVVW Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is higher than the BUYW Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVVW and BUYW, 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

	IVVW	BUYW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.03	+0.70
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.07	1.17	-0.10

Drawdowns

IVVW vs. BUYW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVVW drawdown since its inception was -16.79%, which is greater than BUYW's maximum drawdown of -9.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVVW and BUYW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVVW	BUYW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.79%	-9.36%	-7.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.81%	-2.59%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	-0.21%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.75%	-0.61%	-1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	0.48%	+0.57%

Volatility

IVVW vs. BUYW - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF (IVVW) has a higher volatility of 1.13% compared to Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) at 1.02%. This indicates that IVVW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUYW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVVW	BUYW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.13%	1.02%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.07%	4.03%	+2.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.40%	4.85%	+2.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.66%	8.47%	+4.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.66%	8.47%	+4.19%

IVVW vs. BUYW - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVVW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUYW's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVVW vs. BUYW - Dividend Comparison

IVVW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.70%, more than BUYW's 5.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.91%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%
IVVW iShares S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF	19.70%	18.55%	13.72%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVVW and BUYW in my portfolio?

IVVW and BUYW have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVVW or BUYW?

IVVW has higher volatility (1.13%) compared to BUYW (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVVW dropped -16.79% vs BUYW's -9.36%.

Which ETF is better, IVVW or BUYW?

On 1-year performance, IVVW leads with 20.07% vs 9.76% for BUYW. On fees, IVVW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, BUYW has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVVW or BUYW?

Over the 1-year period, IVVW has performed better with a 20.07% return vs 9.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVVW or BUYW?

IVVW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

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

IVVW has the higher dividend yield at 19.70%, compared with 5.91% for BUYW.

What is the main difference between IVVW and BUYW?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Main Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IVVW and 1.29% for BUYW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVVW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.03), 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.