KMID vs. IWR

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

KMID (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF) and IWR (iShares Russell Midcap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KMID is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while IWR is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Index. KMID is actively managed, while IWR is passively managed. Over the past year, KMID returned -0.13% vs 18.85% for IWR. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KMID charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWR.

Performance

KMID vs. IWR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KMID achieves a 3.26% return, which is significantly lower than IWR's 14.66% return.

KMID

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

IWR

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.26%
• 6M: 10.11%
• YTD: 14.66%
• 1Y: 18.85%
• 3Y*: 15.28%
• 5Y*: 8.53%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

KMID vs. IWR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	3.26%	0.31%	-3.02%
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	14.66%	10.37%	-0.57%

Correlation

The correlation between KMID and IWR is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2024	0.87

The correlation between KMID and IWR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

KMID vs. IWR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KMID	IWR
Industrials	52.2%	18.1%
Technology	15.8%	19.6%
Financial Services	11.8%	12.1%
Healthcare	11.5%	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	11.1%
Basic Materials	-	4.2%
Communication Services	-	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.9%
Energy	-	6.5%
Real Estate	-	6.8%
Utilities	-	5.7%

Return for Risk

KMID vs. IWR — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

IWR

IWR Risk / Return Rank: 53
IWR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
IWR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
IWR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
IWR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IWR Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

KMID vs. IWR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	KMID	IWR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.01	1.38	-1.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.10	2.01	-1.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.24	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.01	2.32	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.03	8.88	-8.90

KMID vs. IWR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMID Sharpe Ratio is -0.01, which is lower than the IWR Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMID and IWR, 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

KMID vs. IWR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMID drawdown since its inception was -18.89%, smaller than the maximum IWR drawdown of -58.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMID and IWR.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMID	IWR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.89%	-58.78%	+39.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-8.17%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.09%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.98%	-0.73%	-3.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.69%	-7.77%	+2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.43%	2.13%	+2.30%

Volatility

KMID vs. IWR - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) has a higher volatility of 4.06% compared to iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR) at 3.38%. This indicates that KMID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KMID	IWR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	3.38%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	10.29%	+1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.88%	13.77%	+1.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.83%	18.28%	-1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.83%	19.31%	-2.48%

KMID vs. IWR - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMID has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than IWR's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMID vs. IWR - Dividend Comparison

KMID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than IWR's 1.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	1.15%	1.29%	1.27%	1.43%	1.59%	1.04%	1.28%	1.43%	1.98%	1.52%	1.72%	1.59%
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 KMID and IWR in my portfolio?

KMID and IWR have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMID or IWR?

KMID has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to IWR (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMID dropped -18.89% vs IWR's -58.78%.

Which ETF is better, KMID or IWR?

On 1-year performance, IWR leads with 18.85% vs -0.13% for KMID. On fees, IWR is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWR has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KMID or IWR?

Over the 1-year period, IWR has performed better with a 18.85% return vs -0.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KMID or IWR?

IWR is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for KMID.

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

IWR has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.11% for KMID.

What is the main difference between KMID and IWR?

KMID is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while IWR is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for KMID and 0.19% for IWR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 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.