IMTM VS DWAS
6 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

IMTM VS DWAS

In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying ahead of the curve is essential. To thrive in the financial market, one must be equipped with the right tools and strategies. In this article, we will explore two key exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that can help you navigate the financial waters effectively: IMTM and DWAS. These funds offer distinct advantages, and understanding their differences is crucial for your investment journey.

IMTM VS DWAS: Overview

Let's begin by taking a closer look at IMTM (iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Muni ETF) and DWAS (Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF). Both ETFs have their unique characteristics and cater to different investment objectives.
IMTM, as the name suggests, is an ETF with a specific maturity date - December 2023. This implies that it primarily holds municipal bonds with maturities that align with its target date. The advantage of such a strategy is that it offers a predictable stream of income for investors. It can be particularly appealing for those seeking tax-free income and a level of certainty in their investment returns. The portfolio is diversified across various sectors within the municipal bond universe.
On the other hand, DWAS focuses on small-cap stocks that exhibit strong momentum characteristics. This ETF aims to capture the potential growth opportunities offered by smaller companies with upward price trends. By doing so, it taps into the potential for higher returns, albeit with increased volatility. DWAS is an excellent choice for investors looking to capitalize on market momentum and bet on small-cap stocks' potential.

IMTM VS DWAS: Sectors and Top Holdings

When it comes to sectors and top holdings, IMTM and DWAS couldn't be more different.
IMTM primarily consists of municipal bonds issued by various municipalities and states across the United States. These bonds are categorized into different sectors, such as transportation, healthcare, and education. The top holdings of IMTM include bonds issued by states like California, New York, and Texas. This diversification across sectors and regions helps mitigate risk, making IMTM a relatively stable investment option.
In contrast, DWAS is all about stocks, specifically small-cap stocks. It focuses on companies that have shown significant price momentum in the past. This means the ETF can have a more concentrated exposure to certain sectors that are currently experiencing momentum. Top holdings in DWAS may include companies from sectors like technology, healthcare, or consumer discretionary. The sector concentration can lead to potential volatility but also offers the chance for substantial returns.

IMTM overlap IMTM VS DWASIMTM overlap IMTM VS DWAS

IMTM VS DWAS: Capitalization Strategy

IMTM and DWAS also differ in their capitalization strategies.
IMTM's capitalization strategy is inherently conservative, as it invests in municipal bonds, which are typically considered low-risk investments. These bonds are issued by governments to fund public projects, and they are known for their stability and regular interest payments. IMTM's focus on a specific maturity date further adds to its capital preservation aspect, making it an ideal choice for risk-averse investors.
DWAS, on the other hand, embraces a more aggressive capitalization strategy. Small-cap stocks tend to be more volatile than their larger counterparts. However, they also have the potential for significant capital appreciation. DWAS leverages this potential by targeting companies with strong momentum, which may result in higher returns but also higher risk.

IMTM VS DWAS: Tracking and Exposure

Tracking and exposure are critical aspects to consider when investing in ETFs.
IMTM aims to track the performance of an index comprising municipal bonds with maturities around December 2023. This means that its returns are closely tied to the performance of the municipal bond market. Investors in IMTM can expect a relatively stable investment that provides tax-free income until its maturity date.
DWAS, on the other hand, tracks the performance of small-cap stocks with strong momentum. Its exposure is highly influenced by the current market conditions and trends in the small-cap segment. This makes DWAS a dynamic investment that can benefit from market upswings but also be impacted by downturns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IMTM and DWAS offer investors distinct opportunities and challenges. IMTM is a conservative choice that provides tax-free income with a fixed maturity date, making it suitable for risk-averse investors seeking stability. DWAS, on the other hand, focuses on small-cap stocks with momentum, offering the potential for higher returns but with increased volatility.
The choice between IMTM and DWAS ultimately depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It's essential to carefully assess your financial situation and objectives before deciding which ETF aligns best with your needs.

Sources:

  1. iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Muni ETF (IMTM)
  2. Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS)

IMTM ETF issuer
IMTM ETF official page

Get started