IWP vs. KMID

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

IWP (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and KMID (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. IWP is passively managed, while KMID is actively managed. Over the past year, IWP returned 2.24% vs -0.13% for KMID. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWP charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for KMID.

Performance

IWP vs. KMID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWP achieves a 3.54% return, which is significantly higher than KMID's 3.26% return.

IWP

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: 0.28%
• YTD: 3.54%
• 1Y: 2.24%
• 3Y*: 13.18%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 12.06%

KMID

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.27%
• 6M: -0.61%
• YTD: 3.26%
• 1Y: -0.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IWP vs. KMID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	3.54%	8.45%	4.84%
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	3.26%	0.31%	-3.02%

Correlation

The correlation between IWP and KMID 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2024	0.73

The correlation between IWP and KMID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWP vs. KMID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWP	KMID
Technology	33.5%	15.8%
Industrials	21.7%	52.2%
Healthcare	13.0%	11.5%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	8.7%
Energy	4.0%	-
Financial Services	3.6%	11.8%
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Utilities	2.5%	-
Real Estate	2.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-

Return for Risk

IWP vs. KMID — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWP

IWP Risk / Return Rank: 11
IWP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
IWP Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
IWP Omega Ratio Rank: 11
IWP Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
IWP Martin Ratio Rank: 12

KMID

KMID Risk / Return Rank: 9
KMID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Omega Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
KMID Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

IWP vs. KMID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID). 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.

	IWP	KMID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.13	-0.01	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.31	0.10	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.01	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.15	-0.01	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.44	-0.03	+0.46

IWP vs. KMID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWP Sharpe Ratio is 0.13, which is higher than the KMID Sharpe Ratio of -0.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWP and KMID, 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

IWP vs. KMID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWP drawdown since its inception was -56.92%, which is greater than KMID's maximum drawdown of -18.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWP and KMID.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWP	KMID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.92%	-18.89%	-38.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.79%	-10.71%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.62%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.31%	-3.98%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.65%	-5.69%	-3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.14%	4.43%	+0.71%

Volatility

IWP vs. KMID - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) has a higher volatility of 5.19% compared to Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) at 4.06%. This indicates that IWP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KMID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWP	KMID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	4.06%	+1.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.69%	11.62%	+2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.31%	14.88%	+2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.45%	16.83%	+5.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.69%	16.83%	+4.86%

IWP vs. KMID - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWP has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than KMID's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWP vs. KMID - Dividend Comparison

IWP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, more than KMID's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.35%	0.37%	0.40%	0.54%	0.77%	0.30%	0.38%	0.59%	1.02%	0.78%	1.16%	0.98%
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	0.11%	0.06%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWP and KMID in my portfolio?

IWP and KMID 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, IWP or KMID?

IWP has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to KMID (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWP dropped -56.92% vs KMID's -18.89%.

Which ETF is better, IWP or KMID?

On 1-year performance, IWP leads with 2.24% vs -0.13% for KMID. On fees, IWP is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, KMID has been the lower-risk option at 4.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWP or KMID?

Over the 1-year period, IWP has performed better with a 2.24% return vs -0.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWP or KMID?

IWP is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for KMID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWP or KMID?

IWP has the higher dividend yield at 0.35%, compared with 0.11% for KMID.

What is the main difference between IWP and KMID?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Virtus. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for IWP and 0.80% for KMID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.13 vs -0.01), 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.