MAXJ vs. IBIT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MAXJ is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by iShares, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. MAXJ is actively managed, while IBIT is passively managed. Over the past year, MAXJ returned 7.50% vs -45.30% for IBIT. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MAXJ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) 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, MAXJ achieves a 3.16% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -32.49% return.

MAXJ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 3.16%
• 6M: 3.03%
• 1Y: 7.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBIT

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -22.03%
• YTD: -32.49%
• 6M: -32.23%
• 1Y: -45.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	3.16%	8.97%	4.56%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-32.49%	-6.41%	55.39%

Correlation

The correlation between MAXJ and IBIT is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.41

Return for Risk

MAXJ vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 94
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 2
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
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.

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) 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.

	MAXJ	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.25	-1.02	+4.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.18	-1.53	+6.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.71	0.83	+0.88
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.42	-0.86	+5.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.03	-1.47	+27.49

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAXJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.25, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAXJ 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

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAXJ drawdown since its inception was -6.35%, smaller than the maximum IBIT drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAXJ and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAXJ	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.35%	-52.98%	+46.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.70%	-52.98%	+51.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-52.98%	+52.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.54%	-16.97%	+16.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	30.94%	-30.65%

Volatility

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) is 0.30%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 13.43%. This indicates that MAXJ 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

	MAXJ	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.30%	13.43%	-13.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.89%	34.60%	-32.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	44.41%	-42.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.20%	50.21%	-45.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.20%	50.21%	-45.01%

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAXJ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAXJ vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

MAXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAXJ and IBIT in my portfolio?

MAXJ and IBIT have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAXJ or IBIT?

IBIT has higher volatility (13.43%) compared to MAXJ (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAXJ dropped -6.35% vs IBIT's -52.98%.

Which ETF is better, MAXJ or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, MAXJ leads with 7.50% vs -45.30% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, MAXJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAXJ or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, MAXJ has performed better with a 7.50% return vs -45.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAXJ or IBIT?

IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for MAXJ.

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

MAXJ has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between MAXJ and IBIT?

MAXJ is categorized as Equity Hedged, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for MAXJ and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs -1.02), 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.