IWS vs. AUSF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IWS (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF) and AUSF (Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - IWS tracks the Russell Midcap Value Index while AUSF tracks the Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IWS returned 8.37%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for AUSF. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IWS charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for AUSF.

Performance

IWS vs. AUSF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) and Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWS achieves a 15.06% return, which is significantly higher than AUSF's 6.72% return.

IWS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 3.74%
• YTD: 15.06%
• 6M: 15.13%
• 1Y: 27.01%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

AUSF

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 6.72%
• 6M: 7.67%
• 1Y: 15.11%
• 3Y*: 20.14%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

IWS vs. AUSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	15.06%	10.82%	12.91%	12.52%	-12.29%	28.10%	4.83%	26.73%	-15.87%
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	6.72%	13.69%	16.05%	22.26%	-0.18%	27.48%	1.27%	24.06%	-10.79%

Correlation

The correlation between IWS and AUSF is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2018	0.90

The correlation between IWS and AUSF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWS vs. AUSF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWS	AUSF
Industrials	16.7%	11.7%
Technology	16.5%	13.5%
Financial Services	14.1%	18.7%
Real Estate	8.6%	4.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	7.8%
Energy	8.1%	5.2%
Healthcare	7.3%	12.0%
Utilities	7.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	5.4%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	8.5%
Communication Services	3.1%	10.6%

Return for Risk

IWS vs. AUSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWS

IWS Risk / Return Rank: 65
IWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IWS Omega Ratio Rank: 58
IWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
IWS Martin Ratio Rank: 72

AUSF

AUSF Risk / Return Rank: 44
AUSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
AUSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AUSF Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AUSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AUSF Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

IWS vs. AUSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) and Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF). 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.

	IWS	AUSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.50	+0.56
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.18	+0.76
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.26	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	2.60	+1.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.59	7.54	+6.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWS vs. AUSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWS Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is higher than the AUSF Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWS and AUSF, 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

	IWS	AUSF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	1.50	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.94	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.65	-0.22

Drawdowns

IWS vs. AUSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWS drawdown since its inception was -62.40%, which is greater than AUSF's maximum drawdown of -44.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWS and AUSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWS	AUSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.40%	-44.25%	-18.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.53%	-5.84%	-1.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.57%	-12.29%	-8.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.23%	-14.23%	-7.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-2.26%	+2.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-4.22%	-3.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	2.01%	-0.02%

Volatility

IWS vs. AUSF - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) has a higher volatility of 3.40% compared to Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) at 2.41%. This indicates that IWS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AUSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWS	AUSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	2.41%	+0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.57%	6.65%	+2.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.19%	10.14%	+3.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.30%	13.65%	+3.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.36%	19.07%	+0.29%

IWS vs. AUSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWS has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than AUSF's 0.27% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWS vs. AUSF - Dividend Comparison

IWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than AUSF's 2.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	2.76%	2.78%	2.63%	1.83%	2.51%	2.22%	2.95%	4.02%	1.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	1.34%	1.53%	1.50%	1.76%	1.93%	1.39%	1.87%	1.97%	2.53%	1.96%	2.10%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWS and AUSF in my portfolio?

IWS and AUSF have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWS or AUSF?

IWS has higher volatility (3.40%) compared to AUSF (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWS dropped -62.40% vs AUSF's -44.25%.

Which ETF is better, IWS or AUSF?

On 5-year performance, AUSF leads with 12.71% vs 8.37% for IWS. On fees, IWS is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, AUSF has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWS or AUSF?

Over the 5-year period, AUSF has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWS or AUSF?

IWS is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for AUSF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWS or AUSF?

AUSF has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 1.34% for IWS.

What is the main difference between IWS and AUSF?

IWS tracks Russell Midcap Value Index, while AUSF tracks Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for IWS and 0.27% for AUSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.50), 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.