ISTM vs. ACWI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and ACWI (iShares MSCI ACWI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISTM is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while ACWI is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISTM returned 33.87% vs 23.79% for ACWI. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for ACWI.

Performance

ISTM vs. ACWI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISTM achieves a -1.41% return, which is significantly lower than ACWI's 9.71% return.

ISTM

• 1D: -4.39%
• 1M: -13.18%
• YTD: -1.41%
• 6M: -1.15%
• 1Y: 33.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ACWI

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 23.79%
• 3Y*: 19.95%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.07%

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

ISTM vs. ACWI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	-1.41%	54.07%	6.95%	2.69%
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	9.71%	22.41%	17.45%	11.60%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and ACWI is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.40

The correlation between ISTM and ACWI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.40 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. ACWI — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 32
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 28

ACWI

ACWI Risk / Return Rank: 59
ACWI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ACWI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ACWI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ACWI 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.

ISTM vs. ACWI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI). 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.

	ISTM	ACWI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	1.76	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	2.44	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	2.46	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.54	10.66	-7.11

ISTM vs. ACWI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISTM Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the ACWI Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISTM and ACWI, 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

ISTM vs. ACWI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.47%, smaller than the maximum ACWI drawdown of -56.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and ACWI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	ACWI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.47%	-56.00%	+33.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.47%	-9.73%	-12.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.47%	-2.96%	-19.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.66%	-8.59%	+1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.58%	2.24%	+7.34%

Volatility

ISTM vs. ACWI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) has a higher volatility of 8.61% compared to iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) at 5.57%. This indicates that ISTM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ACWI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	ACWI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.61%	5.57%	+3.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.97%	11.35%	+17.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.65%	13.62%	+18.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.37%	16.19%	+8.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.37%	17.07%	+7.30%

ISTM vs. ACWI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than ACWI's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. ACWI - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.99%, more than ACWI's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI ETF	1.46%	1.55%	1.70%	1.88%	1.79%	1.71%	1.43%	2.33%	2.18%	1.94%	2.19%	2.56%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.99%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and ACWI in my portfolio?

ISTM and ACWI have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISTM or ACWI?

ISTM has higher volatility (8.61%) compared to ACWI (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISTM dropped -22.47% vs ACWI's -56.00%.

Which ETF is better, ISTM or ACWI?

On 1-year performance, ISTM leads with 33.87% vs 23.79% for ACWI. On fees, ACWI is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ACWI has been the lower-risk option at 5.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISTM or ACWI?

Over the 1-year period, ISTM has performed better with a 33.87% return vs 23.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISTM or ACWI?

ACWI is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ISTM.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.99%, compared with 1.46% for ACWI.

What is the main difference between ISTM and ACWI?

ISTM is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while ACWI is Global Equities. ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while ACWI tracks MSCI All Country World Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.32% for ACWI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACWI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.08), 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.