SAEF vs. BITI

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and BITI (ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while BITI is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index. SAEF is actively managed, while BITI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 2.62%/yr vs -31.71%/yr for BITI. At a correlation of -0.35, they often move in opposite directions. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for BITI.

Performance

SAEF vs. BITI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a -11.57% return, which is significantly lower than BITI's 24.73% return.

SAEF

• 1D: -22.22%
• 1M: -20.64%
• 6M: -16.48%
• YTD: -11.57%
• 1Y: -8.20%
• 3Y*: 2.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BITI

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -0.52%
• 6M: 36.51%
• YTD: 24.73%
• 1Y: 64.56%
• 3Y*: -31.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SAEF vs. BITI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	-11.57%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	5.96%
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	24.73%	-1.76%	-62.60%	-66.17%	3.39%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and BITI is -0.29, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2022	-0.35

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. BITI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 6
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 0

BITI

BITI Risk / Return Rank: 53
BITI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
BITI Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
BITI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
BITI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
BITI Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

SAEF vs. BITI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). 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.

	SAEF	BITI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.28	1.47	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.15	2.04	-2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.25	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.34	2.57	-2.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.65	6.36	-8.01

SAEF vs. BITI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is -0.28, which is lower than the BITI Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and BITI, 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

SAEF vs. BITI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum BITI drawdown of -92.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and BITI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	BITI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-92.16%	+64.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.27%	-25.28%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-84.63%	+57.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.27%	-86.38%	+62.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.16%	-68.42%	+58.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	10.18%	-5.20%

Volatility

SAEF vs. BITI - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a higher volatility of 25.56% compared to ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI) at 10.69%. This indicates that SAEF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BITI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	BITI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.56%	10.69%	+14.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.98%	34.09%	-5.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.13%	44.07%	-14.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.66%	52.21%	-28.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.66%	52.21%	-28.55%

SAEF vs. BITI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BITI's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. BITI - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than BITI's 15.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	15.59%	1.60%	3.91%	3.33%	0.06%	0.00%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.44%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and BITI in my portfolio?

SAEF and BITI have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAEF or BITI?

SAEF has higher volatility (25.56%) compared to BITI (10.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs BITI's -92.16%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or BITI?

On 3-year performance, SAEF leads with 2.62% vs -31.71% for BITI. On fees, SAEF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, BITI has been the lower-risk option at 10.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or BITI?

Over the 3-year period, SAEF has performed better with a 2.62% return vs -31.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or BITI?

SAEF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BITI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAEF or BITI?

BITI has the higher dividend yield at 15.59%, compared with 0.44% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and BITI?

SAEF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while BITI is Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 1.03% for BITI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs -0.28), 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.