IYM vs. SETM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IYM (iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF) and SETM (Sprott Critical Materials ETF) are both Materials funds - IYM tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index while SETM tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IYM returned 14.87%/yr vs 26.89%/yr for SETM. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYM charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for SETM.

Performance

IYM vs. SETM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) and Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYM achieves a 20.88% return, which is significantly higher than SETM's 15.89% return.

IYM

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 20.88%
• 6M: 19.00%
• 1Y: 37.99%
• 3Y*: 14.87%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

SETM

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: -4.22%
• YTD: 15.89%
• 6M: 15.21%
• 1Y: 105.69%
• 3Y*: 26.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IYM vs. SETM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	20.88%	20.41%	-4.54%	0.25%
SETM Sprott Critical Materials ETF	15.89%	95.27%	-13.24%	-13.11%

Correlation

The correlation between IYM and SETM is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2023	0.66

The correlation between IYM and SETM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

IYM vs. SETM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYM	SETM
Basic Materials	83.8%	76.0%
Industrials	12.5%	1.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	0.1%
Energy	-	22.9%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYM vs. SETM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYM

IYM Risk / Return Rank: 58
IYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
IYM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
IYM Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SETM

SETM Risk / Return Rank: 67
SETM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
SETM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SETM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SETM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SETM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

IYM vs. SETM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) and Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM). 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.

	IYM	SETM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.29	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.59	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.35	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	4.11	-1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	11.83	-1.29

IYM vs. SETM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYM Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the SETM Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYM and SETM, 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

IYM vs. SETM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYM drawdown since its inception was -67.78%, which is greater than SETM's maximum drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYM and SETM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYM	SETM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.78%	-42.81%	-24.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.61%	-25.85%	+12.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.62%	-42.81%	+19.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.94%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-15.55%	+13.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.44%	-15.02%	+3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	8.96%	-5.35%

Volatility

IYM vs. SETM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) is 7.05%, while Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) has a volatility of 16.80%. This indicates that IYM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SETM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYM	SETM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.05%	16.80%	-9.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.71%	37.30%	-21.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.58%	46.57%	-26.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.48%	37.18%	-16.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.78%	37.18%	-15.40%

IYM vs. SETM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYM has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than SETM's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYM vs. SETM - Dividend Comparison

IYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, less than SETM's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	1.26%	1.51%	1.65%	1.77%	2.14%	1.48%	1.39%	2.08%	1.68%	1.43%	1.47%	2.04%
SETM Sprott Critical Materials ETF	1.35%	1.56%	2.07%	2.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYM and SETM in my portfolio?

IYM and SETM have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYM or SETM?

SETM has higher volatility (16.80%) compared to IYM (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYM dropped -67.78% vs SETM's -42.81%.

Which ETF is better, IYM or SETM?

On 3-year performance, SETM leads with 26.89% vs 14.87% for IYM. On fees, IYM is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, IYM has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYM or SETM?

Over the 3-year period, SETM has performed better with a 26.89% return vs 14.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYM or SETM?

IYM is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SETM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYM or SETM?

SETM has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.26% for IYM.

What is the main difference between IYM and SETM?

IYM tracks Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index, while SETM tracks Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IYM and 0.65% for SETM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SETM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.95), 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.