IMST vs. RYLD

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IMST (Bitwise Funds Trust) and RYLD (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. IMST is actively managed, while RYLD is passively managed. Over the past year, IMST returned -67.20% vs 24.93% for RYLD. Their 0.45 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. IMST charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for RYLD.

Performance

IMST vs. RYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) and Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMST achieves a -30.61% return, which is significantly lower than RYLD's 12.29% return.

IMST

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: -5.61%
• 6M: -31.75%
• YTD: -30.61%
• 1Y: -67.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -52.56%

RYLD

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 1.19%
• 6M: 10.16%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 1Y: 24.93%
• 3Y*: 8.04%
• 5Y*: 3.15%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.81%

*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)
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	$166.01K	$154.83K	$265.20K
RYLD Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF	$10.07M	$9.36M	$9.08M

IMST vs. RYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	-30.61%	-46.36%
RYLD Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF	12.29%	9.83%

Correlation

The correlation between IMST and RYLD is 0.47, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

IMST vs. RYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMST

IMST Risk / Return Rank: 0
IMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Omega Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Martin Ratio Rank: 1

RYLD

RYLD Risk / Return Rank: 90
RYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
RYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
RYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 92
RYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
RYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

IMST vs. RYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) and Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD). 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.

	IMST	RYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.17	2.17	-3.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.30	3.05	-5.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.75	1.45	-0.70
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.96	3.67	-4.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.40	15.02	-16.43

IMST vs. RYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMST Sharpe Ratio is -1.17, which is lower than the RYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMST and RYLD, 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

IMST vs. RYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMST drawdown since its inception was -75.63%, which is greater than RYLD's maximum drawdown of -41.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMST and RYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMST	RYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.63%	-41.53%	-34.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-72.94%	-6.29%	-66.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-72.85%	-0.37%	-72.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.52%	-8.65%	-30.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	50.26%	1.54%	+48.72%

Volatility

IMST vs. RYLD - Volatility Comparison

Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) has a higher volatility of 9.69% compared to Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) at 2.07%. This indicates that IMST's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMST	RYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.69%	2.07%	+7.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	45.17%	7.73%	+37.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	60.00%	10.67%	+49.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.75%	13.97%	+45.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	59.75%	17.04%	+42.71%

IMST vs. RYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMST has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than RYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMST vs. RYLD - Dividend Comparison

IMST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 209.43%, more than RYLD's 11.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	209.43%	195.93%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RYLD Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF	11.62%	12.00%	12.03%	12.64%	13.49%	12.35%	10.76%	6.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMST and RYLD in my portfolio?

IMST and RYLD have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMST or RYLD?

IMST has higher volatility (9.69%) compared to RYLD (2.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMST dropped -75.63% vs RYLD's -41.53%.

Which ETF is better, IMST or RYLD?

On 1-year performance, RYLD leads with 24.93% vs -67.20% for IMST. On fees, RYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, RYLD has been the lower-risk option at 2.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMST or RYLD?

Over the 1-year period, RYLD has performed better with a 24.93% return vs -67.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMST or RYLD?

RYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for IMST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IMST or RYLD?

IMST has the higher dividend yield at 209.43%, compared with 11.62% for RYLD.

What is the main difference between IMST and RYLD?

They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for IMST and 0.60% for RYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs -1.17), 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.