IWMW vs. MSTY
IWMW (iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF) and MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. IWMW is passively managed, while MSTY is actively managed. Over the past year, IWMW returned 24.97% vs -70.33% for MSTY. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IWMW charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for MSTY.
Performance
IWMW vs. MSTY - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IWMW achieves a 12.03% return, which is significantly higher than MSTY's -34.39% return.
IWMW
- 1D
- 0.23%
- 1M
- 4.49%
- YTD
- 12.03%
- 6M
- 10.74%
- 1Y
- 24.97%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
MSTY
- 1D
- -9.12%
- 1M
- -37.97%
- YTD
- -34.39%
- 6M
- -36.51%
- 1Y
- -70.33%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IWMW vs. MSTY - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF | 12.03% | 7.82% | 5.85% |
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF | -34.39% | -42.71% | 60.85% |
Correlation
The correlation between IWMW and MSTY is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.50 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 15, 2024 | 0.47 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IWMW vs. MSTY — Risk / Return Rank
IWMW
MSTY
IWMW vs. MSTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). 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.
| IWMW | MSTY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +3.14 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +4.91 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.40 | 0.76 | +0.64 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.61 | -0.95 | +4.56 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.46 | -1.42 | +13.88 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IWMW vs. MSTY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IWMW drawdown since its inception was -21.82%, smaller than the maximum MSTY drawdown of -74.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWMW and MSTY.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IWMW | MSTY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -21.82% | -74.21% | +52.39% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.94% | -74.21% | +67.27% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.21% | -74.21% | +74.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.76% | -27.06% | +23.30% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.01% | 49.58% | -47.57% |
Volatility
IWMW vs. MSTY - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) is 3.39%, while YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) has a volatility of 20.77%. This indicates that IWMW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IWMW | MSTY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.39% | 20.77% | -17.38% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.30% | 50.35% | -41.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.48% | 62.64% | -50.16% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.05% | 72.01% | -55.96% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.05% | 72.01% | -55.96% |
IWMW vs. MSTY - Expense Ratio Comparison
IWMW has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTY's 0.99% expense ratio.
Dividends
IWMW vs. MSTY - Dividend Comparison
IWMW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.69%, less than MSTY's 314.78% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF | 21.69% | 20.98% | 17.73% |
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF | 314.78% | 294.61% | 104.56% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IWMW and MSTY have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MSTY has higher volatility (20.77%) compared to IWMW (3.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWMW dropped -21.82% vs MSTY's -74.21%.
On 1-year performance, IWMW leads with 24.97% vs -70.33% for MSTY. On fees, IWMW is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IWMW has been the lower-risk option at 3.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, IWMW has performed better with a 24.97% return vs -70.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IWMW is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for MSTY.
MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 314.78%, compared with 21.69% for IWMW.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IWMW and 0.99% for MSTY.
IWMW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs -1.13), 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.
Find the right allocation for IWMW and MSTY
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer