MTUM vs. IWF

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

MTUM (iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF) and IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MTUM is a Momentum fund tracking the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index, while IWF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MTUM returned 17.54%/yr vs 18.50%/yr for IWF. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MTUM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for IWF.

Performance

MTUM vs. IWF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MTUM achieves a 33.55% return, which is significantly higher than IWF's 5.29% return. Over the past 10 years, MTUM has underperformed IWF with an annualized return of 17.54%, while IWF has yielded a comparatively higher 18.50% annualized return.

MTUM

• 1D: 2.96%
• 1M: 11.98%
• YTD: 33.55%
• 6M: 34.98%
• 1Y: 46.22%
• 3Y*: 33.86%
• 5Y*: 15.90%
• 10Y*: 17.54%

IWF

• 1D: 2.35%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 5.29%
• 6M: 6.31%
• 1Y: 23.23%
• 3Y*: 22.85%
• 5Y*: 14.45%
• 10Y*: 18.50%

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

MTUM vs. IWF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	33.55%	22.15%	32.89%	9.15%	-18.27%	13.36%	29.86%	27.25%	-1.67%	37.50%
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	5.29%	18.33%	33.12%	42.59%	-29.31%	27.43%	38.25%	35.86%	-1.67%	29.95%

Correlation

The correlation between MTUM and IWF is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2013	0.87

The correlation between MTUM and IWF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

MTUM vs. IWF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MTUM	IWF
Technology	50.2%	53.9%
Industrials	15.0%	5.4%
Energy	10.5%	0.3%
Communication Services	5.1%	12.4%
Financial Services	5.0%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	2.4%
Healthcare	3.5%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	12.7%
Basic Materials	2.3%	0.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.4%
Utilities	0.6%	0.3%

Return for Risk

MTUM vs. IWF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MTUM

MTUM Risk / Return Rank: 79
MTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
MTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
MTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
MTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
MTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 84

IWF

IWF Risk / Return Rank: 40
IWF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IWF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
IWF Omega Ratio Rank: 43
IWF Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
IWF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

MTUM vs. IWF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF). 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.

	MTUM	IWF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.45	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.00	+0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.26	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	1.43	+2.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.48	4.72	+10.77

MTUM vs. IWF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MTUM Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the IWF Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MTUM and IWF, 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

MTUM vs. IWF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MTUM drawdown since its inception was -34.08%, smaller than the maximum IWF drawdown of -64.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MTUM and IWF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MTUM	IWF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.08%	-64.25%	+30.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.54%	-16.27%	+4.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.99%	-23.36%	+2.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.28%	-32.72%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.08%	-32.72%	-1.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.34%	+3.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.20%	-22.06%	+15.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	4.94%	-1.95%

Volatility

MTUM vs. IWF - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) has a higher volatility of 11.20% compared to iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) at 5.74%. This indicates that MTUM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MTUM	IWF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.20%	5.74%	+5.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.83%	12.62%	+6.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.08%	16.09%	+4.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	21.49%	-0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.23%	21.02%	+0.21%

MTUM vs. IWF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MTUM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than IWF's 0.18% 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

MTUM vs. IWF - Dividend Comparison

MTUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.70%, more than IWF's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.43%	0.36%	0.46%	0.67%	0.91%	0.49%	0.66%	0.99%	1.27%	1.10%	1.43%	1.37%
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	0.70%	0.91%	0.75%	1.35%	1.80%	0.55%	0.83%	1.48%	1.27%	1.02%	1.43%	1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MTUM and IWF in my portfolio?

MTUM and IWF have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MTUM or IWF?

MTUM has higher volatility (11.20%) compared to IWF (5.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MTUM dropped -34.08% vs IWF's -64.25%.

Which ETF is better, MTUM or IWF?

On 10-year performance, IWF leads with 18.50% vs 17.54% for MTUM. On fees, MTUM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IWF has been the lower-risk option at 5.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MTUM or IWF?

Over the 10-year period, IWF has performed better with a 18.50% return vs 17.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MTUM or IWF?

MTUM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for IWF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MTUM or IWF?

MTUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.70%, compared with 0.43% for IWF.

What is the main difference between MTUM and IWF?

MTUM is categorized as Momentum, while IWF is Large Cap Growth Equities. MTUM tracks MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index, while IWF tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for MTUM and 0.18% for IWF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.45), 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.