ISTM vs. WDIG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and WDIG (WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - ISTM is a Metals fund tracking the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while WDIG is a Commodities fund actively managed by WisdomTree. ISTM is passively managed, while WDIG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for WDIG.

Performance

ISTM vs. WDIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund (WDIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ISTM

• 1D: -2.14%
• 1M: 4.48%
• YTD: 13.15%
• 6M: 24.67%
• 1Y: 58.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WDIG

• 1D: -4.03%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISTM vs. WDIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	0.10%
WDIG WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund	1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and WDIG is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2026	0.89

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. WDIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 52
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. WDIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund (WDIG). 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	WDIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.66	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.65	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ISTM	WDIG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	0.35	+0.79

Drawdowns

ISTM vs. WDIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.20%, which is greater than WDIG's maximum drawdown of -15.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and WDIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	WDIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.20%	-15.71%	-6.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.03%	-5.40%	-5.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-6.14%	-0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.85%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	WDIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.76%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.06%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.67%	52.06%	-21.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.11%	52.06%	-27.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.11%	52.06%	-27.95%

ISTM vs. WDIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than WDIG's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. WDIG - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.06%, while WDIG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	13.06%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%
WDIG WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and WDIG in my portfolio?

ISTM and WDIG have a correlation of 0.89, 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 WDIG?

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 WDIG?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for WDIG.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 13.06%, compared with 0.00% for WDIG.

What is the main difference between ISTM and WDIG?

ISTM is categorized as Metals, while WDIG is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.55% for WDIG.