IWMI vs. RYLG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IWMI (NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF) and RYLG (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. IWMI is actively managed, while RYLG is passively managed. Over the past year, IWMI returned 35.89% vs 30.21% for RYLG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IWMI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RYLG.

Performance

IWMI vs. RYLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI) and Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWMI achieves a 16.33% return, which is significantly higher than RYLG's 14.56% return.

IWMI

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 16.33%
• 6M: 14.17%
• 1Y: 35.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RYLG

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.84%
• YTD: 14.56%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 30.21%
• 3Y*: 13.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IWMI vs. RYLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IWMI NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF	16.33%	14.97%	6.58%
RYLG Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF	14.56%	9.39%	9.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IWMI and RYLG is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2024	0.96

The correlation between IWMI and RYLG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWMI vs. RYLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWMI	RYLG
Industrials	17.7%	18.0%
Technology	17.0%	19.0%
Healthcare	16.5%	16.3%
Financial Services	15.7%	15.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	8.0%
Real Estate	6.1%	5.9%
Energy	6.1%	5.4%
Basic Materials	4.8%	4.7%
Utilities	2.9%	2.8%
Communication Services	2.4%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	2.3%

Return for Risk

IWMI vs. RYLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWMI

IWMI Risk / Return Rank: 79
IWMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IWMI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IWMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWMI Martin Ratio Rank: 87

RYLG

RYLG Risk / Return Rank: 70
RYLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
RYLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
RYLG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
RYLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
RYLG Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

IWMI vs. RYLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI) and Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG). 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.

	IWMI	RYLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.02	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.23	2.83	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.35	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.29	3.71	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.68	14.23	+3.45

IWMI vs. RYLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the RYLG Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWMI and RYLG, 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

IWMI vs. RYLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWMI drawdown since its inception was -23.88%, which is greater than RYLG's maximum drawdown of -22.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWMI and RYLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWMI	RYLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.88%	-22.37%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.40%	-8.18%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-0.71%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-4.09%	+0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	2.13%	-0.09%

Volatility

IWMI vs. RYLG - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF (IWMI) has a higher volatility of 5.22% compared to Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF (RYLG) at 4.16%. This indicates that IWMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RYLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWMI	RYLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	4.16%	+1.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.45%	11.10%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.41%	15.05%	+0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.95%	17.15%	+0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.95%	17.15%	+0.80%

IWMI vs. RYLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWMI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than RYLG's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWMI vs. RYLG - Dividend Comparison

IWMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.53%, more than RYLG's 10.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IWMI NEOS Russell 2000 High Income ETF	14.53%	14.05%	8.78%	0.00%	0.00%
RYLG Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call & Growth ETF	10.29%	10.82%	23.73%	5.78%	4.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWMI and RYLG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, IWMI and RYLG 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, IWMI or RYLG?

IWMI has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to RYLG (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWMI dropped -23.88% vs RYLG's -22.37%.

Which ETF is better, IWMI or RYLG?

On 1-year performance, IWMI leads with 35.89% vs 30.21% for RYLG. On fees, RYLG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RYLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWMI or RYLG?

Over the 1-year period, IWMI has performed better with a 35.89% return vs 30.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWMI or RYLG?

RYLG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for IWMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWMI or RYLG?

IWMI has the higher dividend yield at 14.53%, compared with 10.29% for RYLG.

What is the main difference between IWMI and RYLG?

They also come from different issuers: Neos and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for IWMI and 0.35% for RYLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 2.02), 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.