ISTM vs SPY
iShares Strategic Metals ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ISTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.98% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.67% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.91% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISTM vs SPY Performance
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ISTM returned +49.67% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, ISTM is up 7.98% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, ISTM compounded at +34.91% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, ISTM has the edge at +34.91% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -22.5% for ISTM and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTM charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISTM currently yields 14.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISTM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISTM or SPY?
ISTM has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTM or SPY?
Over the past year ISTM returned +49.67% vs +20.83% for SPY, so ISTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISTM annualized +34.91% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTM or SPY?
ISTM has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISTM -22.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISTM and SPY?
ISTM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISTM and SPY?
ISTM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTM or SPY?
ISTM yields 14.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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