IWMW vs MSSM
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF vs Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF
Which is better, IWMW or MSSM?
MSSM has been ahead.
IWMW has a lower expense ratio. MSSM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWMW | MSSM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39%Best | 0.62% |
| AUM | $55M | $688M |
| Dividend Yield | 20.54% | 2.81% |
| Holdings | 12 | 2,229 |
| YTD Return | -6.72% | +9.46%Best |
| 1Y Return | -7.84% | +13.05%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5%Best | 15.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8%Best | -24.2% |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $9,472 | $11,591Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Morgan Stanley |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2024 | Dec 9, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 9, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
IWMW vs MSSM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.8 years both funds cover.
IWMW vs MSSM Performance
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) is an ETF from Morgan Stanley. Over the past year IWMW returned -7.84% while MSSM returned +13.05%. Year to date, IWMW is down 6.72% versus a gain of 9.46% for MSSM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 11.5% for IWMW. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -21.8% for IWMW and -24.2% for MSSM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWMW charges 0.39% per year while MSSM charges 0.62%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $62 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWMW currently yields 20.54% against 2.81% for MSSM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in IWMW and 1,822 in MSSM, totalling 100.3% and 98.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in IWMW and 1,822 in MSSM, against full books of 12 and 2,229.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IWMW and MSSM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWMW or MSSM?
IWMW has an expense ratio of 0.39% while MSSM charges 0.62%. IWMW is the cheaper option, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IWMW or MSSM?
Over the past year IWMW returned -7.84% vs +13.05% for MSSM, so MSSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IWMW annualized -2.97% vs +8.55% for MSSM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IWMW or MSSM?
MSSM has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 11.5% for IWMW. Worst drawdown: IWMW -21.8% vs MSSM -24.2%.
Should I hold both IWMW and MSSM?
IWMW and MSSM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWMW or MSSM?
IWMW yields 20.54% while MSSM yields 2.81%, so IWMW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MSSM better than IWMW?
IWMW has a lower expense ratio. MSSM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.