UWM vs. IWR

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

UWM (ProShares Ultra Russell2000) and IWR (iShares Russell Midcap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UWM is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index (200%), while IWR is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell Midcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UWM returned 13.53%/yr vs 11.97%/yr for IWR. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. UWM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWR.

Performance

UWM vs. IWR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) 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, UWM achieves a 39.88% return, which is significantly higher than IWR's 13.37% return. Over the past 10 years, UWM has outperformed IWR with an annualized return of 13.53%, while IWR has yielded a comparatively lower 11.97% annualized return.

UWM

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 7.76%
• YTD: 39.88%
• 6M: 32.52%
• 1Y: 78.15%
• 3Y*: 28.28%
• 5Y*: 2.10%
• 10Y*: 13.53%

IWR

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.77%
• YTD: 13.37%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 20.37%
• 3Y*: 17.19%
• 5Y*: 7.88%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

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

UWM vs. IWR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UWM ProShares Ultra Russell2000	39.88%	13.59%	11.32%	22.62%	-43.69%	23.91%	16.57%	48.62%	-25.89%	26.92%
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	13.37%	10.37%	15.21%	17.05%	-17.48%	22.44%	16.93%	30.23%	-9.10%	18.25%

Correlation

The correlation between UWM and IWR is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2007	0.93

The correlation between UWM and IWR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

UWM vs. IWR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UWM	IWR
Technology	19.1%	19.6%
Industrials	17.8%	18.1%
Healthcare	16.3%	8.7%
Financial Services	15.5%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	11.1%
Real Estate	5.9%	6.8%
Energy	5.4%	6.5%
Basic Materials	4.7%	4.2%
Utilities	2.7%	5.7%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	3.9%

Return for Risk

UWM vs. IWR — Risk / Return Rank

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

UWM

UWM Risk / Return Rank: 67
UWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
UWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
UWM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
UWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
UWM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

IWR

IWR Risk / Return Rank: 51
IWR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IWR Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IWR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IWR Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
IWR Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

UWM vs. IWR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) 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.

	UWM	IWR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.49	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.14	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.26	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	2.51	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.03	9.58	+2.45

UWM vs. IWR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UWM Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is higher than the IWR Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UWM 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

UWM vs. IWR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UWM drawdown since its inception was -88.21%, which is greater than IWR's maximum drawdown of -58.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UWM and IWR.

Drawdown Indicators

	UWM	IWR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.21%	-58.78%	-29.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.28%	-8.17%	-14.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.79%	-21.09%	-28.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.62%	-26.18%	-35.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.46%	-40.59%	-30.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-0.80%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.79%	-7.79%	-23.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.52%	2.13%	+4.39%

Volatility

UWM vs. IWR - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) has a higher volatility of 12.95% compared to iShares Russell Midcap ETF (IWR) at 4.58%. This indicates that UWM'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

	UWM	IWR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.95%	4.58%	+8.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.36%	10.46%	+17.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.07%	13.82%	+25.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	45.15%	18.29%	+26.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.12%	19.36%	+26.76%

UWM vs. IWR - Expense Ratio Comparison

UWM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than IWR's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

UWM vs. IWR - Dividend Comparison

UWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than IWR's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWR iShares Russell Midcap ETF	1.17%	1.29%	1.27%	1.43%	1.59%	1.04%	1.28%	1.43%	1.98%	1.52%	1.72%	1.59%
UWM ProShares Ultra Russell2000	0.74%	1.05%	1.16%	0.34%	0.40%	0.00%	0.07%	0.55%	0.41%	0.11%	0.27%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UWM and IWR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, UWM and IWR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, UWM or IWR?

UWM has higher volatility (12.95%) compared to IWR (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UWM dropped -88.21% vs IWR's -58.78%.

Which ETF is better, UWM or IWR?

On 10-year performance, UWM leads with 13.53% vs 11.97% for IWR. On fees, IWR is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWR has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UWM or IWR?

Over the 10-year period, UWM has performed better with a 13.53% return vs 11.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UWM or IWR?

IWR is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for UWM.

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

IWR has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.74% for UWM.

What is the main difference between UWM and IWR?

UWM is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while IWR is Mid Cap Growth Equities. UWM tracks Russell 2000 Index (200%), while IWR tracks Russell Midcap Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for UWM and 0.19% for IWR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.49), 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.