SQM vs. LIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.) is a stock, while LIT (Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF) is Lithium & Battery Metals fund tracking the Solactive Global Lithium Index. Over the past 10 years, SQM returned 17.10%/yr vs 14.81%/yr for LIT. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

SQM vs. LIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) and Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQM achieves a 15.62% return, which is significantly lower than LIT's 27.30% return. Over the past 10 years, SQM has outperformed LIT with an annualized return of 17.10%, while LIT has yielded a comparatively lower 14.81% annualized return.

SQM

• 1D: -1.31%
• 1M: -1.91%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 13.48%
• 1Y: 148.39%
• 3Y*: 5.90%
• 5Y*: 16.03%
• 10Y*: 17.10%

LIT

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: -3.18%
• YTD: 27.30%
• 6M: 26.02%
• 1Y: 129.27%
• 3Y*: 10.70%
• 5Y*: 4.07%
• 10Y*: 14.81%

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

SQM vs. LIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQM Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.	15.62%	89.55%	-39.35%	-18.47%	71.62%	6.82%	89.19%	-27.30%	-32.71%	115.00%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	27.30%	60.05%	-19.19%	-12.18%	-29.91%	36.74%	127.88%	3.27%	-28.63%	64.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SQM and LIT is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2010	0.67

The correlation between SQM and LIT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SQM vs. LIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQM

SQM Risk / Return Rank: 93
SQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
SQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SQM Omega Ratio Rank: 89
SQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SQM Martin Ratio Rank: 95

LIT

LIT Risk / Return Rank: 93
LIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
LIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
LIT Omega Ratio Rank: 90
LIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
LIT Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

SQM vs. LIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) and Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). 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.

	SQM	LIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.91	3.84	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	4.14	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.55	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.46	7.90	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.74	28.08	-10.34

SQM vs. LIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQM Sharpe Ratio is 2.91, which is comparable to the LIT Sharpe Ratio of 3.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQM and LIT, 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

SQM vs. LIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQM drawdown since its inception was -78.34%, which is greater than LIT's maximum drawdown of -65.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQM and LIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQM	LIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.34%	-65.91%	-12.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.11%	-16.46%	-6.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-61.32%	-53.01%	-8.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.76%	-65.91%	-3.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.98%	-65.91%	-7.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.77%	-10.99%	-8.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.31%	-33.56%	+3.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.40%	4.62%	+3.78%

Volatility

SQM vs. LIT - Volatility Comparison

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) has a higher volatility of 14.57% compared to Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) at 10.69%. This indicates that SQM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SQM	LIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.57%	10.69%	+3.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.39%	23.79%	+12.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.39%	33.94%	+17.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.84%	32.03%	+17.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.15%	30.78%	+15.37%

Dividends

SQM vs. LIT - Dividend Comparison

SQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than LIT's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	0.38%	0.49%	0.93%	1.11%	0.99%	0.22%	0.40%	1.85%	2.52%	3.26%	2.15%	0.24%
SQM Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.	1.47%	0.18%	0.59%	8.34%	9.66%	3.92%	1.64%	4.55%	5.37%	2.73%	4.77%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SQM and LIT in my portfolio?

SQM and LIT have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SQM or LIT?

SQM has higher volatility (14.57%) compared to LIT (10.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQM dropped -78.34% vs LIT's -65.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.84 vs 2.91), 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.