PSC vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - PSC tracks the Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index while IWC tracks the Russell Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSC returned 8.06%/yr vs 5.45%/yr for IWC. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for IWC.

Performance

PSC vs. IWC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSC achieves a 13.84% return, which is significantly lower than IWC's 18.97% return.

PSC

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 13.84%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 18.36%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: —

IWC

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 18.97%
• 6M: 18.63%
• 1Y: 55.24%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 5.45%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

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

PSC vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	13.84%	13.41%	12.38%	18.51%	-15.91%	32.56%	13.30%	18.99%	-11.35%	15.93%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	18.97%	22.45%	13.63%	8.99%	-21.93%	18.67%	20.88%	22.20%	-13.13%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between PSC and IWC 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.82

The correlation between PSC and IWC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSC vs. IWC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSC	IWC
Technology	20.3%	18.4%
Industrials	17.7%	13.3%
Financial Services	16.5%	18.1%
Healthcare	15.3%	28.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	5.3%
Energy	6.0%	4.7%
Real Estate	4.6%	3.5%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.4%
Utilities	2.9%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	1.9%
Communication Services	2.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

PSC vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 46
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 55

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 71
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

PSC vs. IWC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). 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.

	PSC	IWC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.36	-0.89
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	3.10	-0.96
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.37	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	4.47	-1.72
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.55	14.76	-5.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSC vs. IWC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the IWC Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSC and IWC, 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

	PSC	IWC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	2.36	-0.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.22	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.31	+0.19

Drawdowns

PSC vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSC drawdown since its inception was -46.69%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSC and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSC	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.69%	-64.61%	+17.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.95%	-12.43%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	-29.46%	+5.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	-40.68%	+14.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-2.90%	+1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.28%	-15.28%	+7.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.75%	-0.90%

Volatility

PSC vs. IWC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is 4.93%, while iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) has a volatility of 7.29%. This indicates that PSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSC	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	7.29%	-2.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.77%	17.26%	-4.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.65%	23.63%	-4.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	24.42%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.30%	24.42%	-1.12%

PSC vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than IWC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSC vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

PSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than IWC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.91%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.58%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSC and IWC in my portfolio?

PSC and IWC 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, PSC or IWC?

IWC has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to PSC (4.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSC dropped -46.69% vs IWC's -64.61%.

Which ETF is better, PSC or IWC?

On 5-year performance, PSC leads with 8.06% vs 5.45% for IWC. On fees, PSC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, PSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSC or IWC?

Over the 5-year period, PSC has performed better with a 8.06% return vs 5.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSC or IWC?

PSC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for IWC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSC or IWC?

IWC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.58% for PSC.

What is the main difference between PSC and IWC?

PSC tracks Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index, while IWC tracks Russell Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Principal and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for PSC and 0.60% for IWC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.46), 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.