ARKD vs. MSBT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) and MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) are both Cryptocurrency funds. ARKD is actively managed, while MSBT is passively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for MSBT.

Performance

ARKD vs. MSBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKD

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSBT

• 1D: -2.77%
• 1M: -22.16%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKD vs. MSBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	7.08%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-10.94%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKD and MSBT is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2026	0.49

Return for Risk

ARKD vs. MSBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARKD	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.04	-1.58	+1.55

Drawdowns

ARKD vs. MSBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKD drawdown since its inception was -14.03%, smaller than the maximum MSBT drawdown of -22.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKD and MSBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKD	MSBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-22.46%	+8.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-22.46%	+19.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-4.38%	-1.80%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKD	MSBT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.90%	33.13%	-13.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.90%	33.13%	-13.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.90%	33.13%	-13.23%

ARKD vs. MSBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than MSBT's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKD vs. MSBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKD nor MSBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKD and MSBT in my portfolio?

ARKD and MSBT have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ARKD or MSBT?

On fees, MSBT is cheaper at 0.14% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKD or MSBT?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKD or MSBT?

ARKD and MSBT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARKD and MSBT?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for ARKD and 0.14% for MSBT.