IBLC vs. ARKB

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) and ARKB (ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - IBLC tracks the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index while ARKB tracks the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBLC returned 17.60% vs -44.53% for ARKB. Their 0.69 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. IBLC charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for ARKB.

Performance

IBLC vs. ARKB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBLC achieves a 5.99% return, which is significantly higher than ARKB's -28.20% return.

IBLC

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: -4.33%
• 6M: 0.61%
• YTD: 5.99%
• 1Y: 17.60%
• 3Y*: 26.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.35%

ARKB

• 1D: -2.93%
• 1M: 2.36%
• 6M: -25.00%
• YTD: -28.20%
• 1Y: -44.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.17%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF	$33.65M	$34.18M	$42.19M
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	$395.00K	$481.87K	$794.27K

IBLC vs. ARKB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	5.99%	27.05%	20.96%
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF	-28.20%	-6.59%	86.54%

Correlation

The correlation between IBLC and ARKB is 0.70, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.69

The correlation between IBLC and ARKB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IBLC vs. ARKB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 16
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 13

ARKB

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

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IBLC vs. ARKB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) 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.

	IBLC	ARKB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.15	-1.05	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	-1.58	+2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	0.83	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.20	-0.87	+1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.36	-1.34	+1.70

IBLC vs. ARKB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBLC Sharpe Ratio is 0.15, which is higher than the ARKB Sharpe Ratio of -1.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBLC and ARKB, 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

IBLC vs. ARKB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBLC drawdown since its inception was -62.54%, which is greater than ARKB's maximum drawdown of -53.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBLC and ARKB.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBLC	ARKB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.54%	-53.33%	-9.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.94%	-53.33%	+8.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.32%	-50.00%	+19.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.78%	-18.27%	-7.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.44%	34.62%	-10.18%

Volatility

IBLC vs. ARKB - Volatility Comparison

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) has a higher volatility of 19.77% compared to ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) at 9.15%. This indicates that IBLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBLC	ARKB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.77%	9.15%	+10.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.51%	33.67%	+9.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.85%	44.31%	+13.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	64.48%	49.43%	+15.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	64.48%	49.43%	+15.05%

IBLC vs. ARKB - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBLC has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKB's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBLC vs. ARKB - Dividend Comparison

IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.91%, while ARKB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	5.91%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBLC and ARKB in my portfolio?

IBLC and ARKB have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBLC or ARKB?

IBLC has higher volatility (19.77%) compared to ARKB (9.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBLC dropped -62.54% vs ARKB's -53.33%.

Which ETF is better, IBLC or ARKB?

On 1-year performance, IBLC leads with 17.60% vs -44.53% for ARKB. On fees, ARKB is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, ARKB has been the lower-risk option at 9.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBLC or ARKB?

Over the 1-year period, IBLC has performed better with a 17.60% return vs -44.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBLC or ARKB?

ARKB is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBLC or ARKB?

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 5.91%, compared with 0.00% for ARKB.

What is the main difference between IBLC and ARKB?

IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index, while ARKB tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBLC and 0.21% for ARKB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -1.05), 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.