IBIT vs. ARKB
IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) and ARKB (ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, from iShares and ARK respectively. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBIT returned -37.79% vs -37.80% for ARKB. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IBIT charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for ARKB.
Performance
IBIT vs. ARKB - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with IBIT having a -26.49% return and ARKB slightly higher at -26.45%.
IBIT
- 1D
- 2.47%
- 1M
- -15.04%
- YTD
- -26.49%
- 6M
- -27.13%
- 1Y
- -37.79%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ARKB
- 1D
- 2.30%
- 1M
- -15.02%
- YTD
- -26.45%
- 6M
- -27.12%
- 1Y
- -37.80%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IBIT vs. ARKB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | -26.49% | -6.41% | 89.87% |
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF | -26.45% | -6.59% | 86.54% |
Correlation
The correlation between IBIT and ARKB 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024 | 1.00 |
The correlation between IBIT and ARKB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
IBIT vs. ARKB — Risk / Return Rank
IBIT
ARKB
IBIT vs. ARKB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). 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.
| IBIT | ARKB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.00 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.01 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.87 | 0.87 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.73 | -0.73 | 0.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -1.24 | -1.25 | 0.00 |
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Drawdowns
IBIT vs. ARKB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IBIT drawdown since its inception was -52.11%, roughly equal to the maximum ARKB drawdown of -52.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIT and ARKB.
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Drawdown Indicators
| IBIT | ARKB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -52.11% | -52.04% | -0.07% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -52.11% | -52.04% | -0.07% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -48.80% | -48.78% | -0.02% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.79% | -16.82% | +0.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 30.41% | 30.37% | +0.04% |
Volatility
IBIT vs. ARKB - Volatility Comparison
iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) have volatilities of 13.00% and 12.91%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| IBIT | ARKB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 13.00% | 12.91% | +0.09% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 34.53% | 34.40% | +0.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 44.29% | 44.11% | +0.18% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 50.21% | 50.04% | +0.17% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 50.21% | 50.04% | +0.17% |
IBIT vs. ARKB - Expense Ratio Comparison
IBIT has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKB's 0.21% 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
IBIT vs. ARKB - Dividend Comparison
Neither IBIT nor ARKB has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, IBIT and ARKB 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.
IBIT has higher volatility (13.00%) compared to ARKB (12.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBIT dropped -52.11% vs ARKB's -52.04%.
On 1-year performance, IBIT leads with -37.79% vs -37.80% for ARKB. On fees, ARKB is cheaper at 0.21% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, IBIT has performed better with a -37.79% return vs -37.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
ARKB is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IBIT.
IBIT and ARKB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
Both ETFs track CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IBIT and 0.21% for ARKB.
IBIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.86 vs -0.86), 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.
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