ISTM vs VOO
iShares Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ISTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.91% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.73% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISTM vs VOO Performance
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISTM returned +49.91% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, ISTM is up 7.47% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, ISTM compounded at +34.73% per year against +22.16% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, ISTM has the edge at +34.73% annualized vs +13.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISTM currently yields 14.27% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISTM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 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 VOO?
ISTM has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTM or VOO?
Over the past year ISTM returned +49.91% vs +21.62% for VOO, so ISTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISTM annualized +34.73% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTM or VOO?
ISTM has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ISTM -22.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISTM and VOO?
ISTM and VOO 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 VOO?
ISTM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTM or VOO?
ISTM yields 14.27% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ISTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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