Average Daily Volume
564.2K
Fund Overview
The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) is designed to track the investment results of the Russell MidCap Value Index, which measures the performance of mid-capitalization U.S. equities with value characteristics. The fund provides exposure to mid-sized companies that are considered undervalued based on fundamental metrics such as price-to-book ratio, price-to-earnings ratio, and dividend yield. IWS is a popular choice for investors seeking diversified exposure to value stocks within the mid-cap segment, which historically have shown resilience during market downturns while offering growth potential. The ETF is managed by BlackRock, one of the largest asset managers globally, ensuring robust portfolio construction and liquidity.
- Asset Class
-
Equity
- Industry
-
N/A
- Annual Dividend Rate
-
- Smart Beta
-
Yes
- Leveraged / Inverse
-
N/A / No
- Dividend Quality - Yield
-
- 1.70 %
- Currency Hedged
-
No
- Portfolio Turnover
-
19 %
- Dividend Date
-
Why Invest in the IWS ETF?
Potential Benefits
- Provides exposure to mid-cap value stocks, which historically offer a balance of growth potential and lower volatility compared to small-cap stocks.
- Diversified across sectors, reducing concentration risk while capturing value opportunities in the mid-cap space.
- Low expense ratio (0.23%) makes it a cost-effective option for long-term investors.
- Liquidity is strong due to BlackRock’s management and the popularity of the Russell index series.
- Potential for outperformance during economic recoveries when value stocks tend to rebound.
Potential Risks
- Value stocks may underperform growth stocks during prolonged bull markets or low-interest-rate environments.
- Mid-cap stocks can be more volatile than large-cap stocks, though less so than small-caps.
- Sector concentration risks may arise if certain industries dominate the value segment.
- Tracking error risk exists if the fund does not perfectly replicate its benchmark index.
RSI data unavailable or insufficient history.
Monthly Returns (%)
| Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 2026 |
+4.2%
|
+4.7%
|
-5.0%
|
+7.5%
|
+2.3%
|
+3.0%
|
+1.5%
|
+1.6%
|
-5.0%
|
+2.3%
|
-
|
-
|
| 2025 |
+3.4%
|
-1.8%
|
-3.7%
|
-2.6%
|
+4.4%
|
+3.5%
|
+1.8%
|
+3.0%
|
+1.2%
|
-1.0%
|
+2.4%
|
+0.1%
|
| 2024 |
-1.8%
|
+4.7%
|
+5.1%
|
-5.2%
|
+3.6%
|
-1.7%
|
+6.0%
|
+1.9%
|
+1.9%
|
-1.3%
|
+7.4%
|
-7.3%
|
| 2023 |
+8.1%
|
-3.2%
|
-3.1%
|
0.0%
|
-4.5%
|
+8.6%
|
+4.4%
|
-3.6%
|
-5.1%
|
-5.0%
|
+9.5%
|
+7.7%
|
| 2022 |
-4.4%
|
-0.5%
|
+3.1%
|
-6.0%
|
+1.9%
|
-11.0%
|
+8.7%
|
-3.1%
|
-9.6%
|
+9.4%
|
+6.2%
|
-5.1%
|
| 2021 |
-0.2%
|
+7.7%
|
+5.3%
|
+4.7%
|
+2.0%
|
-1.2%
|
+0.6%
|
+2.1%
|
-3.7%
|
+5.3%
|
-3.1%
|
+6.3%
|
| 2020 |
-1.9%
|
-9.8%
|
-22.8%
|
+13.3%
|
+4.7%
|
+1.1%
|
+4.6%
|
+3.9%
|
-2.3%
|
+0.9%
|
+14.1%
|
+4.6%
|
| 2019 |
+10.2%
|
+3.2%
|
+0.5%
|
+3.3%
|
-6.4%
|
+6.7%
|
+0.8%
|
-3.6%
|
+4.1%
|
+0.6%
|
+2.6%
|
+3.0%
|
| 2018 |
+2.2%
|
-5.0%
|
+0.3%
|
+0.5%
|
+1.2%
|
+0.8%
|
+2.7%
|
+1.3%
|
-0.7%
|
-7.3%
|
+2.4%
|
-10.4%
|
| 2017 |
+1.7%
|
+2.8%
|
-0.8%
|
+0.2%
|
-0.3%
|
+1.5%
|
+1.3%
|
-1.9%
|
+2.7%
|
+0.8%
|
+3.4%
|
+1.3%
|
< -5%
-5% to -2%
-2% to 0%
0%
0% to +2%
+2% to +5%
> +5%
Top Holdings (by weight)
| Symbol |
Company Name |
Weight |
|
AJG
|
ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & CO |
1.0 % |
|
WMB
|
WILLIAMS COMPANIES INC |
0.9 % |
|
AFL
|
AFLAC INC |
0.7 % |
|
BK
|
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORP |
0.7 % |
|
MSTR
|
STRATEGY CLASS A |
0.7 % |
|
KMI
|
KINDER MORGAN INC CLASS P |
0.7 % |
|
OKE
|
ONEOK INC |
0.7 % |
|
O
|
REALTY INCOME CORP |
0.6 % |
|
DLR
|
DIGITAL REALTY TRUST INC |
0.6 % |
|
EXC
|
EXELON CORP |
0.6 % |
Top 10 holdings shown, out of 714 total holdings.
Related ETFs: IWS vs Peers
Comparison highlights key differences on cost, coverage, and focus within sector ETFs.
Investment Strategy
IWS seeks to track the Russell MidCap Value Index, a market-cap-weighted index comprising mid-sized U.S. companies with value characteristics. The index methodology selects stocks based on factors like price-to-book ratio, forward earnings, and historical sales growth. The fund holds a diversified portfolio of equities, primarily common stocks, and is rebalanced quarterly to align with index changes. Unlike actively managed funds, IWS follows a passive strategy, aiming to minimize tracking error while maintaining low costs. The portfolio typically includes 500+ holdings, ensuring broad diversification across sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expense ratio of IWS?
IWS has an expense ratio of 0.23%, making it a cost-effective choice for mid-cap value exposure.
How often is IWS rebalanced?
The fund is rebalanced quarterly to align with changes in the Russell MidCap Value Index.
Does IWS pay dividends?
Yes, IWS distributes dividends quarterly, as many value stocks in its portfolio are dividend-paying companies.
How does IWS differ from a growth-oriented mid-cap ETF?
IWS focuses on undervalued mid-cap stocks with value characteristics, whereas growth-oriented ETFs target companies with higher earnings growth potential, often at higher valuations.
Industry Overview
The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) invests in mid-cap U.S. companies exhibiting value characteristics. Mid-cap stocks typically have market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, offering a blend of growth potential and stability. The value investing approach focuses on companies trading below their intrinsic value, often with strong fundamentals like dividends or low price multiples. This segment can be attractive for investors seeking a balance between the high growth of small-caps and the stability of large-caps. The Russell MidCap Value Index, which IWS tracks, is widely recognized for its transparent and rules-based methodology.
Alternative Comparison
Compared to the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN), which focuses on small-cap value stocks, IWS offers exposure to slightly larger, more established companies with potentially lower volatility. Another peer, the Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE), has a similar objective but tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Value Index, which uses a different methodology for selecting value stocks. IWS stands out for its liquidity and lower expense ratio (0.23%) compared to some actively managed mid-cap value funds. Unlike factor-based ETFs that screen for specific metrics, IWS relies on the Russell index’s broader value definition.
Issuer Overview
BlackRock, the issuer of IWS, is the world’s largest asset manager with over $9 trillion in assets under management (AUM) as of 2023. Known for its iShares ETF brand, BlackRock is a leader in passive and active investment strategies, offering a wide range of products across equities, fixed income, and alternatives. The firm’s scale, expertise, and technological capabilities contribute to efficient ETF management and tight tracking of benchmark indices.
Conclusion
The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) is a well-established, low-cost option for investors seeking diversified exposure to mid-cap value stocks. Its passive strategy, tied to the reputable Russell index, provides transparency and consistency. While mid-cap value investing carries inherent risks, IWS offers a balanced approach for those looking to capitalize on undervalued companies with growth potential. Investors should consider their risk tolerance and long-term objectives before adding IWS to their portfolio.
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