ISTM vs. MINY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and MINY (YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds. ISTM is passively managed, while MINY is actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for MINY.

Performance

ISTM vs. MINY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF (MINY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ISTM

• 1D: -3.40%
• 1M: -9.19%
• YTD: 3.12%
• 6M: 3.55%
• 1Y: 39.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MINY

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: -4.75%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISTM vs. MINY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	-8.25%
MINY YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF	-13.84%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and MINY is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2026	0.78

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. MINY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 36
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 31

MINY

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. MINY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF (MINY). 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	MINY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	—	—

Drawdowns

ISTM vs. MINY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.20%, which is greater than MINY's maximum drawdown of -19.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and MINY.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	MINY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.20%	-19.23%	-2.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.92%	-14.43%	-4.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-9.01%	+2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.48%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	MINY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.62%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.67%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.35%	36.55%	-5.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.24%	36.55%	-12.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.24%	36.55%	-12.31%

ISTM vs. MINY - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than MINY's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. MINY - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.33%, more than MINY's 10.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.33%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%
MINY YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF	10.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and MINY in my portfolio?

ISTM and MINY have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ISTM or MINY?

On fees, ISTM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISTM or MINY?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for MINY.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.33%, compared with 10.07% for MINY.

What is the main difference between ISTM and MINY?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 1.01% for MINY.