VLUE vs. IWX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VLUE (iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF) and IWX (iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds from iShares - VLUE tracks the MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index while IWX tracks the Russell Top 200 Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VLUE returned 14.34%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for IWX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLUE charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for IWX.

Performance

VLUE vs. IWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) and iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLUE achieves a 39.99% return, which is significantly higher than IWX's 19.31% return. Over the past 10 years, VLUE has outperformed IWX with an annualized return of 14.34%, while IWX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.78% annualized return.

VLUE

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -4.40%
• 6M: 32.45%
• YTD: 39.99%
• 1Y: 70.80%
• 3Y*: 29.31%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 14.34%

IWX

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 2.76%
• 6M: 15.15%
• YTD: 19.31%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: 19.56%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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

VLUE vs. IWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLUE iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF	39.99%	32.67%	7.25%	14.26%	-14.17%	28.93%	-0.23%	27.20%	-11.13%	21.95%
IWX iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF	19.31%	18.23%	14.89%	10.45%	-5.33%	23.33%	1.46%	25.82%	-6.53%	14.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VLUE and IWX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2013	0.87

The correlation between VLUE and IWX shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.90 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VLUE vs. IWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLUE	IWX
Technology	40.2%	18.5%
Financial Services	11.2%	20.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	6.5%
Communication Services	8.9%	10.5%
Industrials	8.3%	10.8%
Healthcare	8.2%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	7.6%
Energy	3.3%	5.8%
Utilities	2.1%	2.9%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.3%	2.9%

Return for Risk

VLUE vs. IWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLUE

VLUE Risk / Return Rank: 96
VLUE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
VLUE Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
VLUE Omega Ratio Rank: 95
VLUE Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
VLUE Martin Ratio Rank: 96

IWX

IWX Risk / Return Rank: 94
IWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
IWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
IWX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
IWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
IWX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

VLUE vs. IWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) and iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX). 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.

	VLUE	IWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.58	2.96	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.60	4.12	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.53	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.87	4.79	+3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.94	20.46	+8.47

VLUE vs. IWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLUE Sharpe Ratio is 3.58, which is comparable to the IWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLUE and IWX, 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

VLUE vs. IWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLUE drawdown since its inception was -39.47%, which is greater than IWX's maximum drawdown of -35.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLUE and IWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLUE	IWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.47%	-35.76%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-6.59%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.89%	-13.37%	-4.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.12%	-18.13%	-8.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.47%	-35.76%	-3.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.18%	0.00%	-7.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-3.80%	-2.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	1.54%	+0.91%

Volatility

VLUE vs. IWX - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) has a higher volatility of 8.04% compared to iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) at 3.33%. This indicates that VLUE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLUE	IWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.04%	3.33%	+4.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.05%	8.43%	+8.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.88%	10.66%	+9.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.28%	13.91%	+4.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	16.47%	+3.51%

VLUE vs. IWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLUE has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than IWX's 0.20% 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

VLUE vs. IWX - Dividend Comparison

VLUE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, more than IWX's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWX iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF	1.41%	1.59%	1.97%	2.13%	2.07%	1.79%	2.12%	2.60%	2.66%	2.12%	2.22%	2.77%
VLUE iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF	1.48%	2.11%	2.73%	2.66%	3.18%	2.22%	2.42%	2.61%	2.70%	2.14%	2.07%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLUE and IWX in my portfolio?

VLUE and IWX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLUE or IWX?

VLUE has higher volatility (8.04%) compared to IWX (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLUE dropped -39.47% vs IWX's -35.76%.

Which ETF is better, VLUE or IWX?

On 10-year performance, VLUE leads with 14.34% vs 11.78% for IWX. On fees, VLUE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IWX has been the lower-risk option at 3.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLUE or IWX?

Over the 10-year period, VLUE has performed better with a 14.34% return vs 11.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLUE or IWX?

VLUE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for IWX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VLUE or IWX?

VLUE has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 1.41% for IWX.

What is the main difference between VLUE and IWX?

VLUE tracks MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index, while IWX tracks Russell Top 200 Value Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for VLUE and 0.20% for IWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLUE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.58 vs 2.96), 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.