ISTM vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISTM is a Metals fund tracking the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISTM returned 61.67% vs 190.05% for SOXX. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

ISTM vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISTM achieves a 15.63% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 104.57% return.

ISTM

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 6M: 28.78%
• 1Y: 61.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 33.25%
• YTD: 104.57%
• 6M: 99.43%
• 1Y: 190.05%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: 34.50%
• 10Y*: 35.79%

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

ISTM vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	15.63%	54.07%	6.95%	2.69%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	104.57%	40.74%	12.92%	22.31%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and SOXX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.29

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 53
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ISTM	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	5.61	-3.58
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	5.36	-3.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.74	-0.37
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	12.13	-9.15
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.52	46.43	-38.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISTM vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISTM Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISTM and SOXX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ISTM	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	5.61	-3.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.19	0.45	+0.75

Drawdowns

ISTM vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.20%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.20%	-70.21%	+48.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.20%	-15.77%	-6.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.08%	0.00%	-9.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.48%	-19.97%	+13.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.82%	4.11%	+4.71%

Volatility

ISTM vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) is 8.64%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.03%. This indicates that ISTM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.64%	14.03%	-5.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.98%	27.35%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.70%	34.18%	-3.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.08%	36.11%	-12.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.08%	33.43%	-9.35%

ISTM vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.78%, more than SOXX's 0.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	12.78%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and SOXX in my portfolio?

ISTM and SOXX have a correlation of 0.37, 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 SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.03%) compared to ISTM (8.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISTM dropped -22.20% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, ISTM or SOXX?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 190.05% vs 61.67% for ISTM. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, ISTM has been the lower-risk option at 8.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISTM or SOXX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 190.05% return vs 61.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISTM or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for ISTM.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 12.78%, compared with 0.27% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between ISTM and SOXX?

ISTM is categorized as Metals, while SOXX is Semiconductors. ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.61 vs 2.03), 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.