MSSM vs. IWMW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and IWMW (iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Morgan Stanley, while IWMW is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe FTSE Russell IWM 2% OTM BuyWrite Index. MSSM is actively managed, while IWMW is passively managed. Over the past year, MSSM returned 35.45% vs 24.62% for IWMW. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSSM charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IWMW.

Performance

MSSM vs. IWMW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) and iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSSM achieves a 17.34% return, which is significantly higher than IWMW's 8.49% return.

MSSM

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWMW

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 8.49%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 24.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSSM vs. IWMW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	17.34%	11.33%	-5.83%
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF	8.49%	7.82%	-4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSM and IWMW is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.91

The correlation between MSSM and IWMW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSSM vs. IWMW — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

IWMW

IWMW Risk / Return Rank: 64
IWMW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWMW Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
IWMW Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IWMW Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IWMW Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

MSSM vs. IWMW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) and iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW). 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.

	MSSM	IWMW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.01	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.75	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	3.56	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.47	12.33	+2.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSSM vs. IWMW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the IWMW Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSM and IWMW, 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

	MSSM	IWMW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	2.01	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.64	+0.09

Drawdowns

MSSM vs. IWMW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSM drawdown since its inception was -24.18%, which is greater than IWMW's maximum drawdown of -21.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSM and IWMW.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSM	IWMW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.18%	-21.82%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-6.94%	-2.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.34%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-3.85%	-0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	2.00%	+0.46%

Volatility

MSSM vs. IWMW - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) has a higher volatility of 5.05% compared to iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) at 3.03%. This indicates that MSSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWMW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSSM	IWMW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	3.03%	+2.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.76%	8.75%	+4.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.27%	12.32%	+4.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	16.12%	+4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	16.12%	+4.79%

MSSM vs. IWMW - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSM has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than IWMW's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSM vs. IWMW - Dividend Comparison

MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than IWMW's 22.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF	22.40%	20.98%	17.73%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.69%	3.15%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSM and IWMW in my portfolio?

MSSM and IWMW have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSSM or IWMW?

MSSM has higher volatility (5.05%) compared to IWMW (3.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSM dropped -24.18% vs IWMW's -21.82%.

Which ETF is better, MSSM or IWMW?

On 1-year performance, MSSM leads with 35.45% vs 24.62% for IWMW. On fees, IWMW is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IWMW has been the lower-risk option at 3.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSSM or IWMW?

Over the 1-year period, MSSM has performed better with a 35.45% return vs 24.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSSM or IWMW?

IWMW is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSSM or IWMW?

IWMW has the higher dividend yield at 22.40%, compared with 2.69% for MSSM.

What is the main difference between MSSM and IWMW?

MSSM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while IWMW is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for MSSM and 0.39% for IWMW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 2.01), 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.