ICRC vs. AETH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ICRC (Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF) and AETH (Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ICRC is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Bitwise, while AETH is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Bitwise. Both are actively managed. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ICRC charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for AETH.

Performance

ICRC vs. AETH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF (ICRC) and Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICRC achieves a -5.38% return, which is significantly higher than AETH's -9.77% return.

ICRC

• 1D: -8.76%
• 1M: -16.63%
• YTD: -5.38%
• 6M: -7.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AETH

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -4.99%
• YTD: -9.77%
• 6M: -15.31%
• 1Y: -16.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ICRC vs. AETH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ICRC Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF	-5.38%	-36.21%
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	-9.77%	-22.73%

Correlation

The correlation between ICRC and AETH is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2025	0.32

Return for Risk

ICRC vs. AETH — Risk / Return Rank

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

AETH

AETH Risk / Return Rank: 6
AETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

ICRC vs. AETH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF (ICRC) and Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ICRC	AETH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.79	0.37	-1.16

Drawdowns

ICRC vs. AETH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICRC drawdown since its inception was -55.65%, which is greater than AETH's maximum drawdown of -47.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICRC and AETH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICRC	AETH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.65%	-47.78%	-7.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-43.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-41.04%	-43.84%	+2.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.47%	-24.68%	-7.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	30.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ICRC	AETH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	27.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	67.59%	44.88%	+22.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.59%	54.64%	+12.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	67.59%	54.64%	+12.95%

ICRC vs. AETH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICRC has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than AETH's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICRC vs. AETH - Dividend Comparison

ICRC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 42.62%, more than AETH's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	2.67%	2.41%	14.73%	6.64%
ICRC Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF	42.62%	17.79%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICRC and AETH in my portfolio?

ICRC and AETH have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ICRC or AETH?

On fees, AETH is cheaper at 0.90% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICRC or AETH?

AETH is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for ICRC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ICRC or AETH?

ICRC has the higher dividend yield at 42.62%, compared with 2.67% for AETH.

What is the main difference between ICRC and AETH?

ICRC is categorized as Derivative Income, while AETH is Cryptocurrency. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for ICRC and 0.90% for AETH.