IWP vs. SMLV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

IWP (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWP is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Growth Index, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWP returned 11.64%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for SMLV. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWP charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

IWP vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWP achieves a 0.63% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 22.24% return. Over the past 10 years, IWP has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 11.64%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.42% annualized return.

IWP

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -3.07%
• 6M: -2.52%
• YTD: 0.63%
• 1Y: -1.82%
• 3Y*: 12.07%
• 5Y*: 4.51%
• 10Y*: 11.64%
• ALL TIME*: 9.13%

SMLV

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 4.61%
• 6M: 15.91%
• YTD: 22.24%
• 1Y: 28.48%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 10.21%
• 10Y*: 10.42%
• ALL TIME*: 11.06%

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

IWP vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.63%	8.45%	21.86%	25.70%	-26.90%	12.60%	35.25%	35.04%	-4.89%	24.93%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	22.24%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between IWP and SMLV is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.68

The correlation between IWP and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.68 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWP vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWP	SMLV
Technology	33.5%	11.8%
Industrials	20.7%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	9.0%
Healthcare	13.2%	8.9%
Energy	4.3%	1.5%
Financial Services	3.9%	30.9%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.3%
Utilities	2.7%	2.7%
Real Estate	2.2%	11.9%
Basic Materials	1.6%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	3.5%

Return for Risk

IWP vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWP

IWP Risk / Return Rank: 9
IWP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
IWP Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
IWP Omega Ratio Rank: 9
IWP Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
IWP Martin Ratio Rank: 8

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 81
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). 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	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.11	1.85	-1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.03	2.68	-2.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.34	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.12	3.90	-4.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.35	10.99	-11.34

IWP vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWP Sharpe Ratio is -0.11, which is lower than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWP and SMLV, 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. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWP drawdown since its inception was -56.92%, which is greater than SMLV's maximum drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWP and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWP	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.92%	-42.45%	-14.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.79%	-7.34%	-7.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.20%	-20.40%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.62%	-20.40%	-18.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.62%	-42.45%	+3.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.02%	-1.59%	-4.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.65%	-5.41%	-4.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.19%	2.60%	+2.59%

Volatility

IWP vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) has a higher volatility of 5.06% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.75%. This indicates that IWP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWP	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.06%	3.75%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.78%	10.09%	+3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	15.46%	+1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.44%	18.23%	+4.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.69%	20.91%	+0.78%

IWP vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWP has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWP vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

IWP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than SMLV's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWP iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.36%	0.37%	0.40%	0.54%	0.77%	0.30%	0.38%	0.59%	1.02%	0.78%	1.16%	0.98%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.23%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWP and SMLV in my portfolio?

IWP and SMLV have a correlation of 0.56, 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 SMLV?

IWP has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to SMLV (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWP dropped -56.92% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, IWP or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, IWP leads with 11.64% vs 10.42% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWP or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, IWP has performed better with a 11.64% return vs 10.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWP or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for IWP.

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

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.36% for IWP.

What is the main difference between IWP and SMLV?

IWP is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. IWP tracks Russell Midcap Growth Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for IWP and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs -0.11), 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.