XMAG vs. IMCV

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

XMAG (Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF) and IMCV (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XMAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BITA US 500 ex Magnificent 7 Index, while IMCV is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XMAG returned 20.23% vs 26.27% for IMCV. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XMAG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMCV.

Performance

XMAG vs. IMCV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XMAG achieves a 12.34% return, which is significantly lower than IMCV's 15.92% return.

XMAG

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -0.67%
• 6M: 9.96%
• YTD: 12.34%
• 1Y: 20.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IMCV

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 3.63%
• 6M: 11.34%
• YTD: 15.92%
• 1Y: 26.27%
• 3Y*: 15.95%
• 5Y*: 11.14%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

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

XMAG vs. IMCV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	12.34%	15.63%	-1.52%
IMCV iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF	15.92%	13.52%	-3.19%

Correlation

The correlation between XMAG and IMCV is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2024	0.79

The correlation between XMAG and IMCV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

XMAG vs. IMCV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XMAG	IMCV
Technology	26.7%	10.3%
Financial Services	17.2%	15.2%
Healthcare	13.7%	8.7%
Industrials	11.6%	11.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	9.1%
Energy	4.6%	11.9%
Utilities	3.8%	9.6%
Communication Services	3.0%	2.5%
Real Estate	2.6%	5.5%
Basic Materials	2.6%	6.4%

Return for Risk

XMAG vs. IMCV — Risk / Return Rank

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

XMAG

XMAG Risk / Return Rank: 69
XMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
XMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
XMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 80

IMCV

IMCV Risk / Return Rank: 86
IMCV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
IMCV Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
IMCV Omega Ratio Rank: 84
IMCV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IMCV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

XMAG vs. IMCV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCV). 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.

	XMAG	IMCV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.27	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.29	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.40	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	3.82	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.02	14.28	-2.26

XMAG vs. IMCV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XMAG Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the IMCV Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XMAG and IMCV, 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

XMAG vs. IMCV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XMAG drawdown since its inception was -16.17%, smaller than the maximum IMCV drawdown of -64.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XMAG and IMCV.

Drawdown Indicators

	XMAG	IMCV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.17%	-64.74%	+48.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.29%	-6.90%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.63%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.87%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.78%	0.00%	-2.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-8.37%	+6.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	1.84%	-0.15%

Volatility

XMAG vs. IMCV - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCV) have volatilities of 3.47% and 3.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XMAG	IMCV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	3.33%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.47%	8.16%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.82%	11.63%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.08%	16.58%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.08%	19.54%	-4.46%

XMAG vs. IMCV - Expense Ratio Comparison

XMAG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than IMCV's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

XMAG vs. IMCV - Dividend Comparison

XMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than IMCV's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMCV iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF	1.83%	2.23%	2.36%	2.30%	2.36%	1.86%	2.61%	2.45%	2.61%	1.87%	2.09%	2.29%
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	0.46%	0.51%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XMAG and IMCV in my portfolio?

XMAG and IMCV have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XMAG or IMCV?

XMAG has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to IMCV (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XMAG dropped -16.17% vs IMCV's -64.74%.

Which ETF is better, XMAG or IMCV?

On 1-year performance, IMCV leads with 26.27% vs 20.23% for XMAG. On fees, IMCV is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, IMCV 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, XMAG or IMCV?

Over the 1-year period, IMCV has performed better with a 26.27% return vs 20.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XMAG or IMCV?

IMCV is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XMAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XMAG or IMCV?

IMCV has the higher dividend yield at 1.83%, compared with 0.46% for XMAG.

What is the main difference between XMAG and IMCV?

XMAG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while IMCV is Mid Cap Value Equities. XMAG tracks BITA US 500 ex Magnificent 7 Index, while IMCV tracks Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XMAG and 0.06% for IMCV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMCV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.72), 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.