MSBT vs. IBLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSBT (Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust) and IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - MSBT tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate while IBLC tracks the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSBT charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBLC.

Performance

MSBT vs. IBLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). 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*: —

IBLC

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 13.52%
• YTD: 32.34%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 73.27%
• 3Y*: 48.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSBT vs. IBLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	-8.40%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	36.79%

Correlation

The correlation between MSBT and IBLC is 0.67, 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	0.67

Return for Risk

MSBT vs. IBLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 33
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

MSBT vs. IBLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). 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	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.33	0.40	-1.73

Drawdowns

MSBT vs. IBLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSBT drawdown since its inception was -20.25%, smaller than the maximum IBLC drawdown of -62.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSBT and IBLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSBT	IBLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.25%	-62.54%	+42.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-44.94%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-51.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.25%	-12.99%	-7.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.91%	-25.89%	+21.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	22.56%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MSBT	IBLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.67%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	40.76%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.92%	54.94%	-22.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.92%	64.49%	-31.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.92%	64.49%	-31.57%

MSBT vs. IBLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSBT has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than IBLC's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSBT vs. IBLC - Dividend Comparison

MSBT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.77%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.77%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%
MSBT Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSBT and IBLC in my portfolio?

MSBT and IBLC have a correlation of 0.67, 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 IBLC?

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 IBLC?

MSBT is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBLC.

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

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 4.77%, compared with 0.00% for MSBT.

What is the main difference between MSBT and IBLC?

MSBT tracks CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate, while IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for MSBT and 0.47% for IBLC.