BAI vs. IBIT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BAI (iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BAI is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by iShares, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. BAI is actively managed, while IBIT is passively managed. Over the past year, BAI returned 60.51% vs -47.60% for IBIT. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

BAI vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) 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, BAI achieves a 36.40% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -29.06% return.

BAI

• 1D: -4.80%
• 1M: -7.19%
• 6M: 30.48%
• YTD: 36.40%
• 1Y: 60.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIT

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: -2.28%
• 6M: -32.10%
• YTD: -29.06%
• 1Y: -47.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BAI vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	36.40%	25.22%	8.89%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-29.06%	-6.41%	37.54%

Correlation

The correlation between BAI 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 Oct 22, 2024	0.44

Return for Risk

BAI vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAI

BAI Risk / Return Rank: 62
BAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
BAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
BAI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
BAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
BAI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 1
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

BAI vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) 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.

	BAI	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	-1.08	+2.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	-1.65	+3.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	0.82	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	-0.90	+4.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.15	-1.46	+10.60

BAI vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAI 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

BAI vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAI drawdown since its inception was -34.09%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -53.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAI and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAI	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.09%	-53.30%	+19.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.25%	-53.30%	+37.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.25%	-50.60%	+34.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.98%	-17.56%	+10.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.63%	32.72%	-26.09%

Volatility

BAI vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) has a higher volatility of 20.74% compared to iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) at 11.51%. This indicates that BAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAI	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.74%	11.51%	+9.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.32%	34.79%	-0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.76%	44.38%	-4.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.40%	49.97%	-11.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.40%	49.97%	-11.57%

BAI vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAI vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

BAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BAI iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF	1.31%	1.80%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAI and IBIT in my portfolio?

BAI 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, BAI or IBIT?

BAI has higher volatility (20.74%) compared to IBIT (11.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAI dropped -34.09% vs IBIT's -53.30%.

Which ETF is better, BAI or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, BAI leads with 60.51% vs -47.60% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IBIT has been the lower-risk option at 11.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAI or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, BAI has performed better with a 60.51% return vs -47.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAI or IBIT?

IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for BAI.

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

BAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between BAI and IBIT?

BAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BAI and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs -1.08), 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.