IEFA vs. IBIT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net), while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IEFA returned 19.91% vs -47.60% for IBIT. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IEFA charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

IEFA vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEFA achieves a 9.24% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -29.06% return.

IEFA

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 5.45%
• YTD: 9.24%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 15.49%
• 5Y*: 8.40%
• 10Y*: 9.41%

IBIT

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: -2.28%
• 6M: -32.10%
• YTD: -29.06%
• 1Y: -47.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IEFA vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	9.24%	32.08%	4.12%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-29.06%	-6.41%	89.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IEFA and IBIT is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.33

Return for Risk

IEFA vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 46
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 49

IBIT

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

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.

IEFA vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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.

	IEFA	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	-1.08	+2.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	-1.65	+3.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	0.82	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	-0.90	+2.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.59	-1.46	+8.05

IEFA vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEFA and IBIT, 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

IEFA vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEFA drawdown since its inception was -34.78%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -53.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEFA and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEFA	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.78%	-53.30%	+18.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.50%	-53.30%	+41.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-50.60%	+48.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-17.56%	+10.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	32.72%	-29.69%

Volatility

IEFA vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is 4.84%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 11.51%. This indicates that IEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEFA	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	11.51%	-6.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.42%	34.79%	-21.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.61%	44.38%	-28.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.61%	49.97%	-33.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.01%	49.97%	-32.96%

IEFA vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEFA has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IEFA vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

IEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.42%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	3.42%	3.55%	3.47%	3.20%	2.70%	3.32%	1.90%	3.18%	3.46%	2.57%	2.96%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEFA and IBIT in my portfolio?

IEFA and IBIT have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IEFA or IBIT?

IBIT has higher volatility (11.51%) compared to IEFA (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEFA dropped -34.78% vs IBIT's -53.30%.

Which ETF is better, IEFA or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, IEFA leads with 19.91% vs -47.60% for IBIT. On fees, IEFA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IEFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEFA or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, IEFA has performed better with a 19.91% return vs -47.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEFA or IBIT?

IEFA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IBIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IEFA or IBIT?

IEFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between IEFA and IBIT?

IEFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net), while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IEFA and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs -1.08), 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.