ISTM vs. IWM
ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISTM is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISTM returned 39.44% vs 40.90% for IWM. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.
Performance
ISTM vs. IWM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ISTM achieves a 3.12% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 20.47% return.
ISTM
- 1D
- -3.40%
- 1M
- -9.19%
- YTD
- 3.12%
- 6M
- 3.55%
- 1Y
- 39.44%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IWM
- 1D
- -0.96%
- 1M
- 3.82%
- YTD
- 20.47%
- 6M
- 17.64%
- 1Y
- 40.90%
- 3Y*
- 19.22%
- 5Y*
- 6.27%
- 10Y*
- 11.58%
ISTM vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 3.12% | 54.07% | 6.95% | 2.69% |
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 20.47% | 12.66% | 11.38% | 14.46% |
Correlation
The correlation between ISTM and IWM is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.33 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023 | 0.28 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
ISTM vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank
ISTM
IWM
ISTM vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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 | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.82 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.27 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.34 | -0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.78 | 3.73 | -1.94 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.17 | 13.18 | -9.01 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
ISTM vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.20%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and IWM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| ISTM | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.20% | -59.05% | +36.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -22.20% | -11.03% | -11.17% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -27.50% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -31.91% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -41.13% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -18.92% | -0.96% | -17.96% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.64% | -10.75% | +4.11% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 9.48% | 3.11% | +6.37% |
Volatility
ISTM vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) has a higher volatility of 7.62% compared to iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) at 6.56%. This indicates that ISTM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| ISTM | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.62% | 6.56% | +1.06% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 28.67% | 14.31% | +14.36% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 31.35% | 19.74% | +11.61% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.24% | 22.61% | +1.63% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 24.24% | 23.06% | +1.18% |
ISTM vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison
ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.
Dividends
ISTM vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison
ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.33%, more than IWM's 0.90% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 14.33% | 14.78% | 29.62% | 1.02% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 0.90% | 1.04% | 1.15% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
ISTM and IWM have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
ISTM has higher volatility (7.62%) compared to IWM (6.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISTM dropped -22.20% vs IWM's -59.05%.
On 1-year performance, IWM leads with 40.90% vs 39.44% for ISTM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IWM has been the lower-risk option at 6.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, IWM has performed better with a 40.90% return vs 39.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ISTM.
ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.33%, compared with 0.90% for IWM.
ISTM is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.19% for IWM.
IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 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.
Find the right allocation for ISTM and IWM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer