BTCI vs. GIAX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BTCI (NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF) and GIAX (Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTCI is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Neos, while GIAX is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Nicholas. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BTCI returned -41.43% vs 11.65% for GIAX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BTCI charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for GIAX.

Performance

BTCI vs. GIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) and Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTCI achieves a -24.61% return, which is significantly lower than GIAX's 7.71% return.

BTCI

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -3.01%
• 6M: -29.88%
• YTD: -24.61%
• 1Y: -41.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GIAX

• 1D: -4.24%
• 1M: -9.44%
• 6M: 3.65%
• YTD: 7.71%
• 1Y: 11.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTCI vs. GIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	-24.61%	-1.09%	26.12%
GIAX Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF	7.71%	11.73%	-0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCI and GIAX is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.52

The correlation between BTCI and GIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BTCI vs. GIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTCI

BTCI Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTCI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
BTCI Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Martin Ratio Rank: 1

GIAX

GIAX Risk / Return Rank: 19
GIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
GIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
GIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
GIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

BTCI vs. GIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) and Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX). 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.

	BTCI	GIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.04	0.48	-1.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.52	0.81	-2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.10	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.86	0.66	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.41	2.37	-3.78

BTCI vs. GIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCI Sharpe Ratio is -1.04, which is lower than the GIAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCI and GIAX, 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

BTCI vs. GIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCI drawdown since its inception was -48.42%, which is greater than GIAX's maximum drawdown of -20.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCI and GIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCI	GIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.42%	-20.38%	-28.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.42%	-17.62%	-30.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.25%	-14.34%	-29.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.15%	-3.26%	-13.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.39%	4.92%	+24.47%

Volatility

BTCI vs. GIAX - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) has a higher volatility of 9.70% compared to Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) at 8.21%. This indicates that BTCI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTCI	GIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.70%	8.21%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.60%	21.95%	+9.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.91%	24.32%	+15.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.04%	22.31%	+17.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.04%	22.31%	+17.73%

BTCI vs. GIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCI has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than GIAX's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCI vs. GIAX - Dividend Comparison

BTCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 42.61%, more than GIAX's 26.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	42.61%	36.46%	6.76%
GIAX Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF	26.80%	25.62%	10.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCI and GIAX in my portfolio?

BTCI and GIAX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTCI or GIAX?

BTCI has higher volatility (9.70%) compared to GIAX (8.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCI dropped -48.42% vs GIAX's -20.38%.

Which ETF is better, BTCI or GIAX?

On 1-year performance, GIAX leads with 11.65% vs -41.43% for BTCI. On fees, GIAX is cheaper at 0.97% per year. On volatility, GIAX has been the lower-risk option at 8.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCI or GIAX?

Over the 1-year period, GIAX has performed better with a 11.65% return vs -41.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCI or GIAX?

GIAX is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for BTCI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTCI or GIAX?

BTCI has the higher dividend yield at 42.61%, compared with 26.80% for GIAX.

What is the main difference between BTCI and GIAX?

BTCI is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while GIAX is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Neos and Nicholas. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for BTCI and 0.97% for GIAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.48 vs -1.04), 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.