IYK vs. ITA

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

IYK (iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF) and ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IYK is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Consumer Staples RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while ITA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYK returned 9.18%/yr vs 14.84%/yr for ITA. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.38% expense ratio.

Performance

IYK vs. ITA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYK achieves a 13.61% return, which is significantly higher than ITA's 7.69% return. Over the past 10 years, IYK has underperformed ITA with an annualized return of 9.18%, while ITA has yielded a comparatively higher 14.84% annualized return.

IYK

• 1D: 2.93%
• 1M: 2.60%
• 6M: 9.16%
• YTD: 13.61%
• 1Y: 10.64%
• 3Y*: 6.99%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 9.18%

ITA

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -3.60%
• 6M: -4.15%
• YTD: 7.69%
• 1Y: 19.36%
• 3Y*: 26.42%
• 5Y*: 18.03%
• 10Y*: 14.84%

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

IYK vs. ITA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF	13.61%	4.78%	5.27%	-2.84%	3.57%	17.32%	32.65%	28.12%	-13.84%	16.53%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	7.69%	48.64%	15.81%	14.33%	9.96%	9.39%	-13.57%	30.51%	-7.22%	35.24%

Correlation

The correlation between IYK and ITA is -0.00, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2006	0.60

The correlation between IYK and ITA shifts across timeframes, from -0.00 (1 year) to 0.60 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IYK vs. ITA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYK	ITA
Consumer Defensive	85.2%	-
Healthcare	10.7%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	-
Industrials	0.1%	99.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYK vs. ITA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYK

IYK Risk / Return Rank: 25
IYK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
IYK Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
IYK Omega Ratio Rank: 24
IYK Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
IYK Martin Ratio Rank: 21

ITA

ITA Risk / Return Rank: 29
ITA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
ITA Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
ITA Omega Ratio Rank: 27
ITA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
ITA Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

IYK vs. ITA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). 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.

	IYK	ITA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	0.88	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.23	1.38	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.16	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	1.23	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.02	3.17	-1.15

IYK vs. ITA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYK Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is comparable to the ITA Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYK and ITA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IYK vs. ITA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYK drawdown since its inception was -42.64%, smaller than the maximum ITA drawdown of -59.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYK and ITA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYK	ITA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.64%	-59.72%	+17.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-15.82%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.14%	-15.82%	+3.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.05%	-18.72%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.19%	-51.00%	+17.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.08%	-7.93%	+5.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-9.43%	+4.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.29%	6.13%	-0.84%

Volatility

IYK vs. ITA - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) have volatilities of 5.83% and 5.95%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYK	ITA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.83%	5.95%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.80%	18.02%	-7.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.52%	22.11%	-8.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.24%	20.28%	-7.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.56%	23.24%	-7.68%

IYK vs. ITA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IYK and ITA have an expense ratio of 0.38%.

Dividends

IYK vs. ITA - Dividend Comparison

IYK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, more than ITA's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.46%	0.55%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.82%	1.07%	1.54%	1.13%	0.91%	1.07%	1.04%
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF	2.52%	2.75%	2.63%	2.74%	2.16%	1.49%	1.42%	2.21%	2.81%	1.74%	2.63%	2.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYK and ITA in my portfolio?

IYK and ITA have a correlation of -0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYK or ITA?

ITA has higher volatility (5.95%) compared to IYK (5.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYK dropped -42.64% vs ITA's -59.72%.

Which ETF is better, IYK or ITA?

On 10-year performance, ITA leads with 14.84% vs 9.18% for IYK. Both ETFs have the same 0.38% expense ratio. On volatility, IYK has been the lower-risk option at 5.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYK or ITA?

Over the 10-year period, ITA has performed better with a 14.84% return vs 9.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYK or ITA?

IYK and ITA have the same expense ratio: 0.38% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYK or ITA?

IYK has the higher dividend yield at 2.52%, compared with 0.46% for ITA.

What is the main difference between IYK and ITA?

IYK is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while ITA is Aerospace & Defense. IYK tracks Russell 1000 Consumer Staples RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while ITA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.79), 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.