IQLT vs. ETHA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) and ETHA (iShares Ethereum Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQLT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while ETHA is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IQLT returned 18.29% vs -34.33% for ETHA. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IQLT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ETHA.

Performance

IQLT vs. ETHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQLT achieves a 9.81% return, which is significantly higher than ETHA's -43.96% return.

IQLT

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 9.81%
• 6M: 11.22%
• 1Y: 18.29%
• 3Y*: 14.25%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

ETHA

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -27.59%
• YTD: -43.96%
• 6M: -45.98%
• 1Y: -34.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IQLT vs. ETHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	9.81%	25.42%	-5.19%
ETHA iShares Ethereum Trust ETF	-43.96%	-11.31%	-4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between IQLT and ETHA is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.39

Return for Risk

IQLT vs. ETHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQLT

IQLT Risk / Return Rank: 37
IQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
IQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 43

ETHA

ETHA Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

IQLT vs. ETHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). 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.

	IQLT	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	-0.56	+1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	-0.51	+2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	0.94	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	-0.57	+2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.18	-0.98	+7.16

IQLT vs. ETHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is higher than the ETHA Sharpe Ratio of -0.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQLT and ETHA, 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

IQLT vs. ETHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQLT drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, smaller than the maximum ETHA drawdown of -67.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQLT and ETHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQLT	ETHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-67.56%	+35.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-67.56%	+57.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-65.65%	+65.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-33.25%	+27.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	39.22%	-36.48%

Volatility

IQLT vs. ETHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is 5.41%, while iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) has a volatility of 17.30%. This indicates that IQLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ETHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQLT	ETHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	17.30%	-11.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.72%	46.58%	-33.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	69.29%	-54.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	72.65%	-56.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	72.65%	-55.65%

IQLT vs. ETHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQLT has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than ETHA's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQLT vs. ETHA - Dividend Comparison

IQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, while ETHA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ETHA iShares Ethereum 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%
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	2.12%	2.33%	2.87%	2.27%	3.14%	2.24%	1.61%	2.28%	2.72%	2.36%	2.91%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQLT and ETHA in my portfolio?

IQLT and ETHA have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQLT or ETHA?

ETHA has higher volatility (17.30%) compared to IQLT (5.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQLT dropped -32.21% vs ETHA's -67.56%.

Which ETF is better, IQLT or ETHA?

On 1-year performance, IQLT leads with 18.29% vs -34.33% for ETHA. On fees, ETHA is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IQLT has been the lower-risk option at 5.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQLT or ETHA?

Over the 1-year period, IQLT has performed better with a 18.29% return vs -34.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQLT or ETHA?

ETHA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IQLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQLT or ETHA?

IQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.12%, compared with 0.00% for ETHA.

What is the main difference between IQLT and ETHA?

IQLT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ETHA is Cryptocurrency. IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while ETHA tracks CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IQLT and 0.25% for ETHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs -0.56), 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.