ISTM vs. REXC

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and REXC (Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index while REXC tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for REXC.

Performance

ISTM vs. REXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ISTM

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -7.95%
• 6M: -9.18%
• YTD: 1.07%
• 1Y: 28.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

REXC

• 1D: -4.27%
• 1M: -13.10%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISTM vs. REXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	-10.52%
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	-12.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and REXC is 0.56, 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 Apr 15, 2026	0.56

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. REXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 29
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

REXC

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. REXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC). 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	REXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.66	—	—

Drawdowns

ISTM vs. REXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.47%, smaller than the maximum REXC drawdown of -25.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and REXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	REXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.47%	-25.31%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.52%	-25.31%	+4.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.90%	-9.88%	+2.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.56%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	REXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.03%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.73%	50.36%	-18.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.32%	50.36%	-26.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.32%	50.36%	-26.04%

ISTM vs. REXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than REXC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. REXC - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.62%, while REXC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.62%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and REXC in my portfolio?

ISTM and REXC have a correlation of 0.56, 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 REXC?

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 REXC?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for REXC.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.62%, compared with 0.00% for REXC.

What is the main difference between ISTM and REXC?

ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while REXC tracks Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.65% for REXC.