MSBT vs. ARKD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) and ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. MSBT is passively managed, while ARKD is actively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSBT charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for ARKD.

Performance

MSBT vs. ARKD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MSBT

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: -18.41%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKD

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSBT vs. ARKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-8.40%
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	5.23%

Correlation

The correlation between MSBT and ARKD is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2026	0.57

Return for Risk

MSBT vs. ARKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MSBT	ARKD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.33	-0.25	-1.08

Drawdowns

MSBT vs. ARKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSBT drawdown since its inception was -20.25%, which is greater than ARKD's maximum drawdown of -14.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSBT and ARKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSBT	ARKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.25%	-14.03%	-6.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.25%	-4.51%	-15.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.91%	-6.21%	+2.30%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MSBT	ARKD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.92%	19.81%	+13.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.92%	19.81%	+13.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.92%	19.81%	+13.11%

MSBT vs. ARKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSBT has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKD's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSBT vs. ARKD - Dividend Comparison

Neither MSBT nor ARKD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSBT and ARKD in my portfolio?

MSBT and ARKD have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MSBT or ARKD?

On fees, MSBT is cheaper at 0.14% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSBT or ARKD?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for ARKD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSBT or ARKD?

MSBT and ARKD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between MSBT and ARKD?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for MSBT and 0.90% for ARKD.