BLOX vs. IBLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BLOX (Nicholas Crypto Income ETF) and IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BLOX is actively managed, while IBLC is passively managed. Over the past year, BLOX returned 25.91% vs 63.95% for IBLC. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BLOX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBLC.

Performance

BLOX vs. IBLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLOX achieves a 14.14% return, which is significantly lower than IBLC's 27.22% return.

BLOX

• 1D: -2.16%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 14.14%
• 6M: 8.96%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBLC

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 27.22%
• 6M: 19.07%
• 1Y: 63.95%
• 3Y*: 45.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLOX vs. IBLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	14.14%	8.17%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	27.22%	24.36%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOX and IBLC is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2025	0.93

The correlation between BLOX and IBLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLOX vs. IBLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLOX

BLOX Risk / Return Rank: 16
BLOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
BLOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
BLOX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BLOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
BLOX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 30
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 32
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

BLOX vs. IBLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). 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.

	BLOX	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.48	1.15	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	1.73	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.21	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	1.43	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.11	2.80	-1.70

BLOX vs. IBLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOX Sharpe Ratio is 0.48, which is lower than the IBLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOX and IBLC, 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

BLOX vs. IBLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOX drawdown since its inception was -47.09%, smaller than the maximum IBLC drawdown of -62.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOX and IBLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOX	IBLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.09%	-62.54%	+15.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.09%	-44.94%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-51.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.10%	-16.36%	-4.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.66%	-25.76%	+7.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.45%	22.89%	+0.56%

Volatility

BLOX vs. IBLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) is 15.68%, while iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) has a volatility of 16.66%. This indicates that BLOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLOX	IBLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.68%	16.66%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.09%	41.64%	-0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.17%	55.87%	-1.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.89%	64.51%	-10.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.89%	64.51%	-10.62%

BLOX vs. IBLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than IBLC's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOX vs. IBLC - Dividend Comparison

BLOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 40.47%, more than IBLC's 4.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	40.47%	22.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.92%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOX and IBLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BLOX and IBLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BLOX or IBLC?

IBLC has higher volatility (16.66%) compared to BLOX (15.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOX dropped -47.09% vs IBLC's -62.54%.

Which ETF is better, BLOX or IBLC?

On 1-year performance, IBLC leads with 63.95% vs 25.91% for BLOX. On fees, IBLC is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, BLOX has been the lower-risk option at 15.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOX or IBLC?

Over the 1-year period, IBLC has performed better with a 63.95% return vs 25.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOX or IBLC?

IBLC is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BLOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLOX or IBLC?

BLOX has the higher dividend yield at 40.47%, compared with 4.92% for IBLC.

What is the main difference between BLOX and IBLC?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for BLOX and 0.47% for IBLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.48), 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.