VUSE vs. IWS

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VUSE (Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF) and IWS (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - VUSE tracks the Vident U.S. Quality Index while IWS tracks the Russell Midcap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUSE returned 12.79%/yr vs 11.13%/yr for IWS. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for IWS.

Performance

VUSE vs. IWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) and iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSE achieves a 7.67% return, which is significantly lower than IWS's 18.44% return. Over the past 10 years, VUSE has outperformed IWS with an annualized return of 12.79%, while IWS has yielded a comparatively lower 11.13% annualized return.

VUSE

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 7.67%
• 6M: 6.18%
• 1Y: 15.59%
• 3Y*: 16.17%
• 5Y*: 10.91%
• 10Y*: 12.79%

IWS

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: 4.02%
• YTD: 18.44%
• 6M: 16.81%
• 1Y: 29.61%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 9.27%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

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

VUSE vs. IWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	7.67%	13.18%	15.77%	24.36%	-9.42%	35.46%	6.76%	20.74%	-15.25%	16.62%
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	18.44%	10.82%	12.91%	12.52%	-12.29%	28.10%	4.83%	26.73%	-12.43%	13.14%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSE and IWS is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2014	0.90

The correlation between VUSE and IWS shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VUSE vs. IWS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUSE	IWS
Technology	36.7%	18.7%
Financial Services	13.6%	13.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	8.5%
Healthcare	9.4%	7.6%
Communication Services	9.0%	3.1%
Industrials	8.0%	16.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	4.7%
Basic Materials	2.6%	5.3%
Energy	2.2%	7.4%
Utilities	1.1%	6.6%
Real Estate	0.9%	8.3%

Return for Risk

VUSE vs. IWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSE

VUSE Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VUSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VUSE Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VUSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
VUSE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

IWS

IWS Risk / Return Rank: 80
IWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
IWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IWS Omega Ratio Rank: 74
IWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
IWS Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

VUSE vs. IWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) and iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS). 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.

	VUSE	IWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	2.19	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	3.10	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.38	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	3.95	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.12	14.81	-8.69

VUSE vs. IWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the IWS Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSE and IWS, 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

VUSE vs. IWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSE drawdown since its inception was -43.92%, smaller than the maximum IWS drawdown of -62.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSE and IWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSE	IWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.92%	-62.40%	+18.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-7.53%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-20.57%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.34%	-21.23%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.92%	-43.83%	-0.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	0.00%	-2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-8.00%	+2.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	2.00%	+0.55%

Volatility

VUSE vs. IWS - Volatility Comparison

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) has a higher volatility of 5.10% compared to iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) at 4.57%. This indicates that VUSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSE	IWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	4.57%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.38%	10.22%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.15%	13.64%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.47%	17.34%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.22%	19.35%	+0.87%

VUSE vs. IWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IWS's 0.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSE vs. IWS - Dividend Comparison

VUSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than IWS's 1.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWS iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF	1.31%	1.53%	1.50%	1.76%	1.93%	1.39%	1.87%	1.97%	2.53%	1.96%	2.10%	2.14%
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	0.46%	0.47%	0.84%	1.15%	1.57%	1.16%	1.33%	1.61%	1.55%	1.16%	1.25%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSE and IWS in my portfolio?

VUSE and IWS have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUSE or IWS?

VUSE has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to IWS (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSE dropped -43.92% vs IWS's -62.40%.

Which ETF is better, VUSE or IWS?

On 10-year performance, VUSE leads with 12.79% vs 11.13% for IWS. On fees, IWS is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, IWS has been the lower-risk option at 4.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUSE or IWS?

Over the 10-year period, VUSE has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 11.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSE or IWS?

IWS is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for VUSE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSE or IWS?

IWS has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.46% for VUSE.

What is the main difference between VUSE and IWS?

VUSE tracks Vident U.S. Quality Index, while IWS tracks Russell Midcap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Vident and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for VUSE and 0.23% for IWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.19), 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.