SETM vs. SLX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SETM (Sprott Critical Materials ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both Materials funds - SETM tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials Index while SLX tracks the NYSE Arca Steel Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SETM returned 25.14%/yr vs 21.27%/yr for SLX. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SETM charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

SETM vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SETM achieves a 11.16% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 19.94% return.

SETM

• 1D: -4.08%
• 1M: -8.14%
• YTD: 11.16%
• 6M: 8.97%
• 1Y: 95.17%
• 3Y*: 25.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLX

• 1D: -2.86%
• 1M: -4.58%
• YTD: 19.94%
• 6M: 19.56%
• 1Y: 60.79%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: 18.83%

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

SETM vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SETM Sprott Critical Materials ETF	11.16%	95.27%	-13.24%	-13.11%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	19.94%	47.45%	-17.94%	10.23%

Correlation

The correlation between SETM and SLX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2023	0.65

The correlation between SETM and SLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

SETM vs. SLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SETM	SLX
Basic Materials	76.0%	93.2%
Energy	22.9%	3.5%
Industrials	1.0%	3.3%
Technology	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SETM vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SETM

SETM Risk / Return Rank: 61
SETM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SETM Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SETM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SETM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SETM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 75
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SLX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SETM vs. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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.

	SETM	SLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.43	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	3.15	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.40	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	3.74	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.56	12.59	-2.03

SETM vs. SLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SETM Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the SLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SETM and SLX, 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

SETM vs. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SETM drawdown since its inception was -42.81%, smaller than the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SETM and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SETM	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.81%	-82.14%	+39.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.85%	-16.35%	-9.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-42.81%	-27.39%	-15.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.62%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-61.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.00%	-10.38%	-8.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-38.63%	+23.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.04%	4.84%	+4.20%

Volatility

SETM vs. SLX - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) has a higher volatility of 17.16% compared to VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) at 9.40%. This indicates that SETM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SETM	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.16%	9.40%	+7.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.55%	19.29%	+18.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.69%	25.19%	+21.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.23%	27.84%	+9.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.23%	30.90%	+6.33%

SETM vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SETM has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

SETM vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

SETM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than SLX's 1.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SETM Sprott Critical Materials ETF	1.41%	1.56%	2.07%	2.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.29%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SETM and SLX in my portfolio?

SETM and SLX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SETM or SLX?

SETM has higher volatility (17.16%) compared to SLX (9.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SETM dropped -42.81% vs SLX's -82.14%.

Which ETF is better, SETM or SLX?

On 3-year performance, SETM leads with 25.14% vs 21.27% for SLX. On fees, SLX is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, SLX has been the lower-risk option at 9.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SETM or SLX?

Over the 3-year period, SETM has performed better with a 25.14% return vs 21.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SETM or SLX?

SLX is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SETM.

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

SETM has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.29% for SLX.

What is the main difference between SETM and SLX?

SETM tracks Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials Index, while SLX tracks NYSE Arca Steel Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SETM and 0.56% for SLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.05), 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.