REXC vs. ISTM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

REXC (Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF) and ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - REXC tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index while ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. REXC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISTM.

Performance

REXC vs. ISTM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

REXC

• 1D: -5.32%
• 1M: -17.09%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISTM

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -8.86%
• 6M: -12.14%
• YTD: 0.53%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

REXC vs. ISTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	-16.36%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	-11.00%

Correlation

The correlation between REXC and ISTM is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2026	0.58

Return for Risk

REXC vs. ISTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

REXC

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 30
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

REXC vs. ISTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). 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.

	REXC	ISTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.93	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.27	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.32	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.74	—

Drawdowns

REXC vs. ISTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REXC drawdown since its inception was -28.43%, which is greater than ISTM's maximum drawdown of -22.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REXC and ISTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	REXC	ISTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.43%	-22.47%	-5.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.43%	-20.95%	-7.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.62%	-6.95%	-3.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	REXC	ISTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.80%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.75%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.38%	31.72%	+18.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.38%	24.30%	+26.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.38%	24.30%	+26.08%

REXC vs. ISTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

REXC has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ISTM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

REXC vs. ISTM - Dividend Comparison

REXC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.70%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REXC and ISTM in my portfolio?

REXC and ISTM have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, REXC or ISTM?

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, REXC or ISTM?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for REXC.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.70%, compared with 0.00% for REXC.

What is the main difference between REXC and ISTM?

REXC tracks Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index, while ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for REXC and 0.49% for ISTM.