IEMG vs. BTC-USD
IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) is Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while BTC-USD (Bitcoin) is a cryptocurrency. Over the past 10 years, IEMG returned 10.42%/yr vs 57.23%/yr for BTC-USD. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
IEMG vs. BTC-USD - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a 22.84% return, which is significantly higher than BTC-USD's -26.27% return. Over the past 10 years, IEMG has underperformed BTC-USD with an annualized return of 10.42%, while BTC-USD has yielded a comparatively higher 57.23% annualized return.
IEMG
- 1D
- 0.61%
- 1M
- 0.34%
- YTD
- 22.84%
- 6M
- 25.59%
- 1Y
- 44.83%
- 3Y*
- 21.33%
- 5Y*
- 7.15%
- 10Y*
- 10.42%
BTC-USD
- 1D
- 1.71%
- 1M
- -20.43%
- YTD
- -26.27%
- 6M
- -28.52%
- 1Y
- -39.20%
- 3Y*
- 36.94%
- 5Y*
- 9.74%
- 10Y*
- 57.23%
IEMG vs. BTC-USD - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 22.84% | 32.56% | 6.50% | 11.52% | -19.98% | -0.64% | 17.87% | 17.81% | -14.92% | 37.38% |
BTC-USD Bitcoin | -26.27% | -6.27% | 120.76% | 155.82% | -64.23% | 59.40% | 304.57% | 94.10% | -73.37% | 1,324.24% |
Correlation
The correlation between IEMG and BTC-USD is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.37 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.23 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.28 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.16 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012 | 0.10 |
Over the past year, IEMG and BTC-USD have become more correlated (0.37) than their long-term average of 0.10, meaning their price movements have been converging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IEMG vs. BTC-USD — Risk / Return Rank
IEMG
BTC-USD
IEMG vs. BTC-USD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Bitcoin (BTC-USD). 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.
| IEMG | BTC-USD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.94 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +3.92 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.39 | 0.87 | +0.52 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.23 | -0.77 | +4.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.89 | -1.33 | +13.22 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IEMG vs. BTC-USD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum BTC-USD drawdown of -85.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and BTC-USD.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IEMG | BTC-USD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.71% | -85.30% | +46.59% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.21% | -51.21% | +38.00% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.21% | -51.21% | +34.00% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.75% | -76.67% | +40.92% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.71% | -83.80% | +45.09% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.98% | -48.27% | +44.29% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.95% | -42.36% | +29.41% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.59% | 35.16% | -31.57% |
Volatility
IEMG vs. BTC-USD - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is 10.60%, while Bitcoin (BTC-USD) has a volatility of 11.97%. This indicates that IEMG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BTC-USD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IEMG | BTC-USD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 10.60% | 11.97% | -1.37% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.89% | 34.64% | -15.75% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.08% | 35.59% | -14.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.73% | 44.57% | -25.84% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.17% | 56.61% | -36.44% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IEMG and BTC-USD have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
BTC-USD has higher volatility (11.97%) compared to IEMG (10.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs BTC-USD's -85.30%.
IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs -0.92), 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.
Find the right allocation for IEMG and BTC-USD
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer