BTC vs. MSBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF) and MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BTC is actively managed, while MSBT is passively managed. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BTC charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for MSBT.

Performance

BTC vs. MSBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) and Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BTC

• 1D: -2.73%
• 1M: -18.40%
• YTD: -25.36%
• 6M: -29.74%
• 1Y: -38.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSBT

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: -18.41%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTC vs. MSBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	-8.37%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-8.40%

Correlation

The correlation between BTC and MSBT is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2026	1.00

Return for Risk

BTC vs. MSBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTC

BTC Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTC 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.

BTC vs. MSBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) 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.

	BTC	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.89	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.22	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.78	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.36	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BTC	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.89	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.00	-1.33	+1.33

Drawdowns

BTC vs. MSBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTC drawdown since its inception was -49.34%, which is greater than MSBT's maximum drawdown of -20.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTC and MSBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTC	MSBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.34%	-20.25%	-29.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-49.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.98%	-20.25%	-27.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.61%	-3.91%	-12.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BTC	MSBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.40%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.45%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.69%	32.92%	+10.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.30%	32.92%	+15.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.30%	32.92%	+15.38%

BTC vs. MSBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTC has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than MSBT's 0.14% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BTC vs. MSBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither BTC nor MSBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTC and MSBT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, BTC and MSBT 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 ETF is better, BTC 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, BTC or MSBT?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for BTC.

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

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

What is the main difference between BTC and MSBT?

They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BTC and 0.14% for MSBT.