METL vs. IDEF

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF).

METL and IDEF are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. METL is an actively managed fund by Sprott. It was launched on Sep 9, 2025. IDEF is an actively managed fund by iShares. It was launched on May 19, 2025.

Performance

METL vs. IDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

METL vs. IDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	6.41%	27.04%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	6.20%	3.86%

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with METL having a 6.41% return and IDEF slightly lower at 6.20%.

METL

• 1D: 6.47%
• 1M: -16.66%
• YTD: 6.41%
• 6M: 23.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IDEF

• 1D: 4.15%
• 1M: -8.78%
• YTD: 6.20%
• 6M: 3.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

METL vs. IDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

METL has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than IDEF's 0.55% expense ratio.

METL

Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF

IDEF

iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF

Return for Risk

METL vs. IDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	METL	IDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	1.85	-0.22

Correlation

The correlation between METL and IDEF is 0.58, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

METL vs. IDEF - Dividend Comparison

METL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, more than IDEF's 0.16% yield.

	TTM	2025
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	0.93%	0.99%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.16%	0.17%

Drawdowns

METL vs. IDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum METL drawdown since its inception was -27.39%, which is greater than IDEF's maximum drawdown of -14.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for METL and IDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	METL	IDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.39%	-14.63%	-12.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.32%	-11.08%	-8.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.76%	-2.88%	-3.88%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	METL	IDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.92%	20.00%	+24.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.92%	20.00%	+24.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.92%	20.00%	+24.92%