Key Highlights

  • The fund holds 40 U.S. materials and industrial companies.
  • Linde represents about 20.7% of market value, the largest single weight.
  • Net asset value is $185.05, after a one-day gain of $5.21, or 2.90%.
  • The expense ratio is 0.37%, and distributions are paid quarterly.

Companies that produce raw materials, chemicals and metals form a distinct part of the U.S. economy, and the iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (NYSEARCA:IYM) offers one holding for that segment. Figures in this article are current to November 9, 2026. The fund seeks to track an index composed of U.S. basic materials equities, including producers of metals, chemicals and forestry products. Shares trade on NYSE Arca, and the fund has been listed since June 2000.

Fund Fact

Detail

Exchange and ticker

NYSE Arca: IYM

Fund inception

June 12, 2000

Net assets

$1.06 billion

Net asset value

$185.05

Daily NAV change

+$5.21 (+2.90%)

Expense ratio

0.37%

30-day SEC yield

1.19%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Number of holdings

40

Index Construction and Top Positions

The index is capped, but the largest weights remain concentrated. Linde accounts for about 20.7% of Market Value and Newmont about 11.4%. Freeport-McMoRan, Ecolab and Air Products follow, with weights ranging from roughly 5% to 8%.

Industrial names such as Fastenal and steel producers including Nucor and Steel Dynamics add exposure beyond chemicals and mining, giving the portfolio a mix of materials and industrial characteristics.

Price Movement and Trading Profile

The net asset value rose $5.21 in the latest session, a gain of 2.90%. Average Daily Volume over the past month is about 233,000 shares, and the 30-day median bid-ask spread of 0.05% describes narrow trading costs.

Shares outstanding total about 5.75 million, and the premium to NAV was 0.06 in recent figures, meaning shares traded close to the value of underlying holdings.

Costs, Distributions and Sector Risks

The expense ratio is 0.37%, consisting of a management fee of the same amount. Quarterly distributions are paid, and the 30-day SEC Yield of 1.19% reflects a modest income profile.

Materials stocks are sensitive to Commodity prices, global industrial demand, and environmental regulation. The concentration in a few large producers means that developments at one company can have a noticeable effect on the fund.

Final Word

The iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF offers a sector-wide view of American raw materials and chemical producers, with a weighting that leans heavily on its largest holding. Its narrow trading spread, quarterly income and moderate fee define its profile. Investors will weigh cyclical materials exposure against the rest of their portfolio.