AQLT vs. IBIT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AQLT (iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AQLT is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net), while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AQLT returned 25.81% vs -39.82% for IBIT. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AQLT charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

AQLT vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AQLT achieves a 9.98% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -28.88% return.

AQLT

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -1.43%
• YTD: 9.98%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 25.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIT

• 1D: -3.26%
• 1M: -17.81%
• YTD: -28.88%
• 6M: -28.88%
• 1Y: -39.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AQLT vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	9.98%	17.65%	-3.38%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-28.88%	-6.41%	-8.09%

Correlation

The correlation between AQLT and IBIT is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.45

Return for Risk

AQLT vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

AQLT

AQLT Risk / Return Rank: 59
AQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
AQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 59
AQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
AQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 64

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 2
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

AQLT vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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.

	AQLT	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	-0.90	+2.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	-1.25	+3.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.86	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	-0.77	+3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.79	-1.30	+12.09

AQLT vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AQLT and IBIT, 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

AQLT vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQLT drawdown since its inception was -16.84%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -52.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQLT and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQLT	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.84%	-52.11%	+35.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-52.11%	+41.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.57%	-50.47%	+47.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.31%	-16.85%	+14.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	30.58%	-28.18%

Volatility

AQLT vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) is 5.33%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 13.18%. This indicates that AQLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AQLT	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.33%	13.18%	-7.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.78%	34.64%	-22.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.09%	44.31%	-30.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.18%	50.22%	-33.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.18%	50.22%	-33.04%

AQLT vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

AQLT has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AQLT vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

AQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	1.01%	1.05%	0.02%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQLT and IBIT in my portfolio?

AQLT and IBIT have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AQLT or IBIT?

IBIT has higher volatility (13.18%) compared to AQLT (5.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AQLT dropped -16.84% vs IBIT's -52.11%.

Which ETF is better, AQLT or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, AQLT leads with 25.81% vs -39.82% for IBIT. On fees, AQLT is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, AQLT has been the lower-risk option at 5.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AQLT or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, AQLT has performed better with a 25.81% return vs -39.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AQLT or IBIT?

AQLT is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IBIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AQLT or IBIT?

AQLT has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between AQLT and IBIT?

AQLT is categorized as Global Equities, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. AQLT tracks MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net), while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AQLT and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs -0.90), 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.