DFII vs. MSBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFII (FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF) and MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) are both Cryptocurrency funds. DFII is actively managed, while MSBT is passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFII charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for MSBT.

Performance

DFII vs. MSBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) and Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFII

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: -17.17%
• YTD: -24.78%
• 6M: -28.08%
• 1Y: -37.26%
• 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)

DFII vs. MSBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFII FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF	-7.80%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-8.40%

Correlation

The correlation between DFII and MSBT is 0.99 - 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	0.99

Return for Risk

DFII vs. MSBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFII

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

DFII vs. MSBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) 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.

	DFII	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.91	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.24	—	—
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	-1.38	—	—
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

	DFII	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.91	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.44	-1.33	+0.89

Drawdowns

DFII vs. MSBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFII drawdown since its inception was -48.07%, which is greater than MSBT's maximum drawdown of -20.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFII and MSBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFII	MSBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.07%	-20.25%	-27.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-45.95%	-20.25%	-25.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.01%	-3.91%	-15.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	27.04%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFII	MSBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.03%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.27%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.33%	32.92%	+8.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.08%	32.92%	+8.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.08%	32.92%	+8.16%

DFII vs. MSBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFII has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than MSBT's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFII vs. MSBT - Dividend Comparison

DFII's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 27.87%, while MSBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
DFII FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF	27.87%	15.51%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFII and MSBT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DFII 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, DFII 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, DFII or MSBT?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DFII.

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

DFII has the higher dividend yield at 27.87%, compared with 0.00% for MSBT.

What is the main difference between DFII and MSBT?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DFII and 0.14% for MSBT.