BCIM vs. ISTM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCIM (abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF) and ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) are both Metals funds - BCIM tracks the Bloomberg Industrial Metals while ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BCIM charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISTM.

Performance

BCIM vs. ISTM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF (BCIM) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BCIM

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISTM

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 6M: 28.78%
• 1Y: 61.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BCIM vs. ISTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BCIM abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF	0.00%	10.71%	3.30%	1.12%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	15.63%	54.07%	6.95%	2.69%

Correlation

The correlation between BCIM and ISTM is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between BCIM and ISTM has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BCIM vs. ISTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 53
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

BCIM vs. ISTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF (BCIM) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCIM	ISTM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	1.19	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	BCIM	ISTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-22.20%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-9.08%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-6.48%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCIM	ISTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.64%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	27.98%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	30.70%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	24.08%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	24.08%	—

BCIM vs. ISTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCIM has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than ISTM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCIM vs. ISTM - Dividend Comparison

BCIM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, less than ISTM's 12.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BCIM abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF	3.77%	3.77%	11.47%	3.36%	0.72%	1.57%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	12.78%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCIM and ISTM in my portfolio?

BCIM and ISTM have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCIM or ISTM?

On fees, BCIM is cheaper at 0.41% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCIM or ISTM?

BCIM is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ISTM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCIM or ISTM?

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 12.78%, compared with 3.77% for BCIM.

What is the main difference between BCIM and ISTM?

BCIM tracks Bloomberg Industrial Metals, while ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for BCIM and 0.49% for ISTM.