ETHE vs. MSBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ETHE (Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF) and MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) are both Cryptocurrency funds - ETHE tracks the CoinDesk Ether Price Index while MSBT tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ETHE charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for MSBT.

Performance

ETHE vs. MSBT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

ETHE

• 1D: -5.64%
• 1M: -23.64%
• YTD: -39.63%
• 6M: -42.89%
• 1Y: -32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: -11.60%
• 10Y*: —

MSBT

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

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

ETHE vs. MSBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	-18.71%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-8.40%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHE and MSBT is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

ETHE vs. MSBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHE

ETHE Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ETHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ETHE Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

ETHE vs. MSBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) 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.

	ETHE	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.34	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.52	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.86	—	—
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

	ETHE	MSBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.14	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.06	-1.33	+1.39

Drawdowns

ETHE vs. MSBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHE drawdown since its inception was -96.26%, which is greater than MSBT's maximum drawdown of -20.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHE and MSBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHE	MSBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.26%	-20.25%	-76.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-63.16%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-66.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-89.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-77.17%	-20.25%	-56.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-72.23%	-3.91%	-68.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	37.98%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ETHE	MSBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.00%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.31%	32.92%	+35.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	82.26%	32.92%	+49.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	191.84%	32.92%	+158.92%

ETHE vs. MSBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHE has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than MSBT's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETHE vs. MSBT - Dividend Comparison

ETHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, while MSBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	1.35%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHE and MSBT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ETHE 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, ETHE 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, ETHE or MSBT?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ETHE.

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

ETHE has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.00% for MSBT.

What is the main difference between ETHE and MSBT?

ETHE tracks CoinDesk Ether Price Index , while MSBT tracks CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate. They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for ETHE and 0.14% for MSBT.