STCE vs. IBLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) and IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while IBLC is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STCE returned 54.83%/yr vs 45.22%/yr for IBLC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. STCE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBLC.

Performance

STCE vs. IBLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STCE achieves a 28.85% return, which is significantly higher than IBLC's 27.22% return.

STCE

• 1D: -2.15%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 28.85%
• 6M: 18.77%
• 1Y: 80.72%
• 3Y*: 54.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IBLC

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: -0.02%
• YTD: 27.22%
• 6M: 19.07%
• 1Y: 63.95%
• 3Y*: 45.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STCE vs. IBLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	28.85%	36.12%	41.76%	108.65%	-40.98%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	27.22%	27.05%	18.58%	201.47%	-48.39%

Correlation

The correlation between STCE and IBLC is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2022	0.97

The correlation between STCE and IBLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STCE vs. IBLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 33
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 30
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 32
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

STCE vs. IBLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) 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.

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.

	STCE	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.15	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	1.73	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.21	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	1.43	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.65	2.80	-0.15

STCE vs. IBLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the IBLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STCE and IBLC, 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

STCE vs. IBLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STCE drawdown since its inception was -54.11%, smaller than the maximum IBLC drawdown of -62.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STCE and IBLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	STCE	IBLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.11%	-62.54%	+8.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.11%	-44.94%	-9.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.11%	-51.68%	-2.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.40%	-16.36%	-11.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.05%	-25.76%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.56%	22.89%	+7.67%

Volatility

STCE vs. IBLC - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) have volatilities of 16.59% and 16.66%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STCE	IBLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.59%	16.66%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.95%	41.64%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.01%	55.87%	+6.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.01%	64.51%	-8.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	56.01%	64.51%	-8.50%

STCE vs. IBLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

STCE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than IBLC's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

STCE vs. IBLC - Dividend Comparison

STCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, less than IBLC's 4.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.92%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.52%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STCE and IBLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, STCE and IBLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, STCE or IBLC?

IBLC has higher volatility (16.66%) compared to STCE (16.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STCE dropped -54.11% vs IBLC's -62.54%.

Which ETF is better, STCE or IBLC?

On 3-year performance, STCE leads with 54.83% vs 45.22% for IBLC. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STCE or IBLC?

Over the 3-year period, STCE has performed better with a 54.83% return vs 45.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STCE or IBLC?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBLC.

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

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 4.92%, compared with 1.52% for STCE.

What is the main difference between STCE and IBLC?

STCE is categorized as Blockchain, while IBLC is Cryptocurrency. STCE tracks Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for STCE and 0.47% for IBLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 1.15), 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.