ISTM vs. IBIT
ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISTM is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISTM returned 39.44% vs -39.82% for IBIT. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.
Performance
ISTM vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ISTM achieves a 3.12% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -28.88% return.
ISTM
- 1D
- -3.40%
- 1M
- -9.19%
- YTD
- 3.12%
- 6M
- 3.55%
- 1Y
- 39.44%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IBIT
- 1D
- -3.26%
- 1M
- -17.81%
- YTD
- -28.88%
- 6M
- -28.88%
- 1Y
- -39.82%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ISTM vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 3.12% | 54.07% | 11.78% |
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | -28.88% | -6.41% | 89.87% |
Correlation
The correlation between ISTM and IBIT is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.28 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024 | 0.24 |
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Return for Risk
ISTM vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank
ISTM
IBIT
ISTM vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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 | IBIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.17 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.85 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 0.86 | +0.39 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.78 | -0.77 | +2.55 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.17 | -1.30 | +5.48 |
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Drawdowns
ISTM vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.20%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -52.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and IBIT.
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Drawdown Indicators
| ISTM | IBIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.20% | -52.11% | +29.91% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -22.20% | -52.11% | +29.91% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -18.92% | -50.47% | +31.55% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.64% | -16.85% | +10.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 9.48% | 30.58% | -21.10% |
Volatility
ISTM vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) is 7.62%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 13.18%. This indicates that ISTM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| ISTM | IBIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.62% | 13.18% | -5.56% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 28.67% | 34.64% | -5.97% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 31.35% | 44.31% | -12.96% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.24% | 50.22% | -25.98% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 24.24% | 50.22% | -25.98% |
ISTM vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison
ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio.
Dividends
ISTM vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison
ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.33%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 14.33% | 14.78% | 29.62% | 1.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
ISTM and IBIT have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IBIT has higher volatility (13.18%) compared to ISTM (7.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISTM dropped -22.20% vs IBIT's -52.11%.
On 1-year performance, ISTM leads with 39.44% vs -39.82% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% 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.
Over the 1-year period, ISTM has performed better with a 39.44% return vs -39.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ISTM.
ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.33%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.
ISTM is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.25% for IBIT.
ISTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs -0.90), 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.
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