EART vs. ISTM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EART (Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF) and ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - EART tracks the Solactive Rare Earth & Critical Materials Index while ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EART returned 90.35% vs 39.44% for ISTM. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EART charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISTM.

Performance

EART vs. ISTM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EART achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly higher than ISTM's 3.12% return.

EART

• 1D: -5.19%
• 1M: -5.99%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.04%
• 1Y: 90.35%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISTM

• 1D: -3.40%
• 1M: -9.19%
• YTD: 3.12%
• 6M: 3.55%
• 1Y: 39.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EART vs. ISTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	8.19%	98.48%	-7.19%	-0.60%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	3.12%	54.07%	6.95%	2.69%

Correlation

The correlation between EART and ISTM is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.72

The correlation between EART and ISTM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EART vs. ISTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EART

EART Risk / Return Rank: 66
EART Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EART Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
EART Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EART Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EART Martin Ratio Rank: 60

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 36
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

EART vs. ISTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) 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.

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.

	EART	ISTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.27	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	1.60	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.25	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	1.78	+1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.10	4.17	+5.92

EART vs. ISTM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EART Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the ISTM Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EART and ISTM, 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

EART vs. ISTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EART drawdown since its inception was -53.68%, which is greater than ISTM's maximum drawdown of -22.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EART and ISTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EART	ISTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.68%	-22.20%	-31.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.03%	-22.20%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.05%	-18.92%	+0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.98%	-6.64%	-22.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.98%	9.48%	-0.50%

Volatility

EART vs. ISTM - Volatility Comparison

Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) has a higher volatility of 13.28% compared to iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) at 7.62%. This indicates that EART's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISTM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EART	ISTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.28%	7.62%	+5.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.46%	28.67%	+4.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.51%	31.35%	+8.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.26%	24.24%	+10.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.26%	24.24%	+10.02%

EART vs. ISTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EART has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than ISTM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

EART vs. ISTM - Dividend Comparison

EART's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than ISTM's 14.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	0.60%	0.65%	1.06%	1.83%	2.04%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.33%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EART and ISTM in my portfolio?

EART and ISTM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EART or ISTM?

EART has higher volatility (13.28%) compared to ISTM (7.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EART dropped -53.68% vs ISTM's -22.20%.

Which ETF is better, EART or ISTM?

On 1-year performance, EART leads with 90.35% vs 39.44% for ISTM. On fees, ISTM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, ISTM has been the lower-risk option at 7.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EART or ISTM?

Over the 1-year period, EART has performed better with a 90.35% return vs 39.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EART or ISTM?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EART.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.33%, compared with 0.60% for EART.

What is the main difference between EART and ISTM?

EART tracks Solactive Rare Earth & Critical Materials Index, while ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EART and 0.49% for ISTM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EART currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.26), 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.