IDEF vs. METL

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL).

IDEF and METL are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. IDEF is an actively managed fund by iShares. It was launched on May 19, 2025. METL is an actively managed fund by Sprott. It was launched on Sep 9, 2025.

Performance

IDEF vs. METL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

IDEF vs. METL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	6.20%	3.86%
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	6.41%	27.04%

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with IDEF having a 6.20% return and METL slightly higher at 6.41%.

IDEF

• 1D: 4.15%
• 1M: -8.78%
• YTD: 6.20%
• 6M: 3.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

METL

• 1D: 6.47%
• 1M: -16.66%
• YTD: 6.41%
• 6M: 23.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDEF vs. METL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEF has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than METL's 0.89% expense ratio.

METL

Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF

IDEF

iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF

Return for Risk

IDEF vs. METL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). 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

	IDEF	METL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.85	1.62	+0.22

Correlation

The correlation between IDEF and METL is 0.58, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

IDEF vs. METL - Dividend Comparison

IDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than METL's 0.93% yield.

	TTM	2025
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.16%	0.17%
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	0.93%	0.99%

Drawdowns

IDEF vs. METL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEF drawdown since its inception was -14.63%, smaller than the maximum METL drawdown of -27.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEF and METL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEF	METL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.63%	-27.39%	+12.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.08%	-19.32%	+8.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-6.76%	+3.88%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IDEF	METL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.00%	44.92%	-24.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.00%	44.92%	-24.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.00%	44.92%	-24.92%