BITQ vs. IMST

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BITQ (Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF) and IMST (Bitwise Funds Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - BITQ is a Blockchain fund tracking the Bitwise Crypto Innovators 30 Index, while IMST is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Bitwise. BITQ is passively managed, while IMST is actively managed. Over the past year, BITQ returned 49.39% vs -66.17% for IMST. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BITQ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for IMST.

Performance

BITQ vs. IMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ) and Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BITQ achieves a 34.62% return, which is significantly higher than IMST's -25.05% return.

BITQ

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 34.62%
• 6M: 25.61%
• 1Y: 49.39%
• 3Y*: 53.03%
• 5Y*: 4.41%
• 10Y*: —

IMST

• 1D: -1.74%
• 1M: -26.67%
• YTD: -25.05%
• 6M: -27.13%
• 1Y: -66.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BITQ vs. IMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BITQ Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF	34.62%	52.37%
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	-25.05%	-46.36%

Correlation

The correlation between BITQ and IMST is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.68

The correlation between BITQ and IMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BITQ vs. IMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BITQ

BITQ Risk / Return Rank: 25
BITQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
BITQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
BITQ Omega Ratio Rank: 25
BITQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BITQ Martin Ratio Rank: 20

IMST

IMST Risk / Return Rank: 1
IMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
IMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Omega Ratio Rank: 1
IMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
IMST 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.

BITQ vs. IMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ) and Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST). 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.

	BITQ	IMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	-1.14	+2.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	-2.11	+3.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	0.77	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	-0.94	+2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.30	-1.36	+3.66

BITQ vs. IMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BITQ Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is higher than the IMST Sharpe Ratio of -1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BITQ and IMST, 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

BITQ vs. IMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BITQ drawdown since its inception was -90.32%, which is greater than IMST's maximum drawdown of -70.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BITQ and IMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BITQ	IMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.32%	-70.68%	-19.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.99%	-70.68%	+25.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-90.32%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.24%	-70.68%	+53.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.52%	-36.57%	-15.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.50%	48.73%	-27.23%

Volatility

BITQ vs. IMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ) is 16.45%, while Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) has a volatility of 17.47%. This indicates that BITQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IMST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BITQ	IMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.45%	17.47%	-1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.05%	44.16%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	56.94%	58.04%	-1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.32%	59.62%	+7.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	67.24%	59.62%	+7.62%

BITQ vs. IMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

BITQ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than IMST's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

BITQ vs. IMST - Dividend Comparison

BITQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IMST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 251.60%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BITQ Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.90%	1.51%	0.00%	3.12%
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	251.60%	195.93%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BITQ and IMST in my portfolio?

BITQ and IMST have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BITQ or IMST?

IMST has higher volatility (17.47%) compared to BITQ (16.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BITQ dropped -90.32% vs IMST's -70.68%.

Which ETF is better, BITQ or IMST?

On 1-year performance, BITQ leads with 49.39% vs -66.17% for IMST. On fees, BITQ is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, BITQ has been the lower-risk option at 16.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BITQ or IMST?

Over the 1-year period, BITQ has performed better with a 49.39% return vs -66.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BITQ or IMST?

BITQ is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for IMST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BITQ or IMST?

IMST has the higher dividend yield at 251.60%, compared with 0.00% for BITQ.

What is the main difference between BITQ and IMST?

BITQ is categorized as Blockchain, while IMST is Derivative Income. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for BITQ and 0.99% for IMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.87 vs -1.14), 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.