IBLC vs. STCE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) and STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBLC is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index, while STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBLC returned 46.30%/yr vs 55.96%/yr for STCE. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IBLC charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for STCE.

Performance

IBLC vs. STCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) and Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBLC achieves a 30.07% return, which is significantly lower than STCE's 31.69% return.

IBLC

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.21%
• YTD: 30.07%
• 6M: 19.82%
• 1Y: 65.77%
• 3Y*: 46.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STCE

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 5.62%
• YTD: 31.69%
• 6M: 18.74%
• 1Y: 82.14%
• 3Y*: 55.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBLC vs. STCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	30.07%	27.05%	18.58%	201.47%	-48.39%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	31.69%	36.12%	41.76%	108.65%	-40.98%

Correlation

The correlation between IBLC and STCE is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2022	0.97

The correlation between IBLC and STCE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IBLC vs. STCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 31
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 32
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 23

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 33
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

IBLC vs. STCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) and Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE). 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	STCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	1.33	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	1.92	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.23	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.53	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.89	2.70	+0.18

IBLC vs. STCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is comparable to the STCE Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBLC and STCE, 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. STCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBLC drawdown since its inception was -62.54%, which is greater than STCE's maximum drawdown of -54.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBLC and STCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBLC	STCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.54%	-54.11%	-8.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.94%	-54.11%	+9.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.68%	-54.11%	+2.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.49%	-25.81%	+11.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-22.05%	-3.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	22.86%	30.51%	-7.65%

Volatility

IBLC vs. STCE - Volatility Comparison

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) and Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) have volatilities of 17.30% and 16.80%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	IBLC	STCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.30%	16.80%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.59%	42.89%	-1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	55.92%	62.09%	-6.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	64.54%	56.03%	+8.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	64.54%	56.03%	+8.51%

IBLC vs. STCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBLC has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than STCE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBLC vs. STCE - Dividend Comparison

IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.81%, more than STCE's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.81%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.49%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBLC and STCE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, IBLC and STCE 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 is riskier, IBLC or STCE?

IBLC has higher volatility (17.30%) compared to STCE (16.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBLC dropped -62.54% vs STCE's -54.11%.

Which ETF is better, IBLC or STCE?

On 3-year performance, STCE leads with 55.96% vs 46.30% for IBLC. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, STCE has been the lower-risk option at 16.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBLC or STCE?

Over the 3-year period, STCE has performed better with a 55.96% return vs 46.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBLC or STCE?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBLC.

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

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 4.81%, compared with 1.49% for STCE.

What is the main difference between IBLC and STCE?

IBLC is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while STCE is Blockchain. IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index, while STCE tracks Schwab Crypto Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBLC and 0.30% for STCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 1.18), 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.