EQLT vs. IBIT

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

EQLT (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQLT is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EQLT returned 48.20% vs -46.09% for IBIT. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EQLT charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

EQLT vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQLT achieves a 26.29% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -27.03% return.

EQLT

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -2.76%
• 6M: 21.68%
• YTD: 26.29%
• 1Y: 48.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIT

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 0.53%
• 6M: -29.18%
• YTD: -27.03%
• 1Y: -46.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EQLT vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	26.29%	33.93%	-1.29%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-27.03%	-6.41%	66.56%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLT and IBIT is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.36

Return for Risk

EQLT vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQLT

EQLT Risk / Return Rank: 83
EQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
EQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
EQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 81
EQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
EQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 86

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 2
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT 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.

EQLT vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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.

	EQLT	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	-0.99	+3.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	-1.45	+4.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	0.84	+0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	-0.82	+4.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.15	-1.35	+15.50

EQLT vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQLT and IBIT, 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

EQLT vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQLT drawdown since its inception was -17.38%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -53.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQLT and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLT	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.38%	-53.30%	+35.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-53.30%	+41.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.80%	-49.18%	+43.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-17.51%	+13.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.37%	32.56%	-29.19%

Volatility

EQLT vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) is 8.07%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 11.12%. This indicates that EQLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQLT	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.07%	11.12%	-3.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.86%	34.70%	-13.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.88%	44.47%	-21.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	49.98%	-28.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.24%	49.98%	-28.74%

EQLT vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLT has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLT vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

EQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.77%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	2.77%	3.10%	0.51%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLT and IBIT in my portfolio?

EQLT and IBIT have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EQLT or IBIT?

IBIT has higher volatility (11.12%) compared to EQLT (8.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQLT dropped -17.38% vs IBIT's -53.30%.

Which ETF is better, EQLT or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, EQLT leads with 48.20% vs -46.09% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, EQLT has been the lower-risk option at 8.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQLT or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, EQLT has performed better with a 48.20% return vs -46.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLT or IBIT?

IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for EQLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQLT or IBIT?

EQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between EQLT and IBIT?

EQLT is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. EQLT tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index, while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EQLT and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs -0.99), 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.