IDU vs. IYM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IDU (iShares U.S. Utilities ETF) and IYM (iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index, while IYM is a Materials fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDU returned 8.77%/yr vs 11.23%/yr for IYM. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.42% expense ratio.

Performance

IDU vs. IYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) and iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDU achieves a 4.44% return, which is significantly lower than IYM's 22.39% return. Over the past 10 years, IDU has underperformed IYM with an annualized return of 8.77%, while IYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.23% annualized return.

IDU

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 4.44%
• 6M: 4.87%
• 1Y: 10.11%
• 3Y*: 13.84%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 8.77%

IYM

• 1D: 1.70%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 22.39%
• 6M: 23.93%
• 1Y: 37.90%
• 3Y*: 14.64%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 11.23%

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

IDU vs. IYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	4.44%	15.23%	23.23%	-5.02%	0.17%	16.96%	-1.07%	24.21%	3.93%	11.94%
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	22.39%	20.41%	-4.54%	12.83%	-9.15%	25.62%	17.87%	19.22%	-16.63%	24.83%

Correlation

The correlation between IDU and IYM 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2000	0.43

IDU vs. IYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDU	IYM
Utilities	91.1%	-
Industrials	8.4%	11.9%
Energy	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	84.5%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

IDU vs. IYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDU

IDU Risk / Return Rank: 22
IDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
IDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
IDU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
IDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
IDU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

IYM

IYM Risk / Return Rank: 63
IYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
IYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IYM Omega Ratio Rank: 60
IYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IYM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

IDU vs. IYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) and iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM). 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.

	IDU	IYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.68	1.90	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	2.55	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.32	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	2.74	-1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.35	10.29	-7.94

IDU vs. IYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDU Sharpe Ratio is 0.68, which is lower than the IYM Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDU and IYM, 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

IDU vs. IYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDU drawdown since its inception was -53.88%, smaller than the maximum IYM drawdown of -67.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDU and IYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDU	IYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.88%	-67.78%	+13.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-13.61%	+4.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.74%	-23.62%	+6.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.11%	-29.94%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.18%	-42.76%	+6.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.24%	-0.61%	-5.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.38%	-11.45%	+0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	3.61%	+0.43%

Volatility

IDU vs. IYM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) is 5.25%, while iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) has a volatility of 8.10%. This indicates that IDU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDU	IYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.25%	8.10%	-2.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.13%	15.79%	-4.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.93%	19.55%	-5.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.52%	20.53%	-4.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.73%	21.77%	-3.04%

IDU vs. IYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IDU and IYM have an expense ratio of 0.42%.

Dividends

IDU vs. IYM - Dividend Comparison

IDU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, more than IYM's 1.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	2.20%	2.23%	2.29%	2.79%	2.39%	2.39%	2.94%	2.71%	2.80%	2.62%	3.18%	4.22%
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	1.23%	1.51%	1.65%	1.77%	2.14%	1.48%	1.39%	2.08%	1.68%	1.43%	1.47%	2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDU and IYM in my portfolio?

IDU and IYM 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 is riskier, IDU or IYM?

IYM has higher volatility (8.10%) compared to IDU (5.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDU dropped -53.88% vs IYM's -67.78%.

Which ETF is better, IDU or IYM?

On 10-year performance, IYM leads with 11.23% vs 8.77% for IDU. Both ETFs have the same 0.42% expense ratio. On volatility, IDU has been the lower-risk option at 5.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDU or IYM?

Over the 10-year period, IYM has performed better with a 11.23% return vs 8.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDU or IYM?

IDU and IYM have the same expense ratio: 0.42% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDU or IYM?

IDU has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 1.23% for IYM.

What is the main difference between IDU and IYM?

IDU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while IYM is Materials. IDU tracks Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index, while IYM tracks Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.68), 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.