STCE vs. SATO

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) and SATO (Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while SATO is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts and ETPs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STCE returned 34.63%/yr vs 20.64%/yr for SATO. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STCE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SATO.

Performance

STCE vs. SATO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STCE achieves a 6.95% return, which is significantly higher than SATO's -11.75% return.

STCE

• 1D: -3.58%
• 1M: -15.48%
• 6M: -9.27%
• YTD: 6.95%
• 1Y: 18.60%
• 3Y*: 34.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SATO

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -10.88%
• 6M: -23.63%
• YTD: -11.75%
• 1Y: -22.30%
• 3Y*: 20.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STCE vs. SATO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	6.95%	36.12%	41.76%	108.65%	-40.98%
SATO Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF	-11.75%	2.26%	55.25%	266.77%	-54.05%

Correlation

The correlation between STCE and SATO is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2022	0.94

The correlation between STCE and SATO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STCE vs. SATO — Risk / Return Rank

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

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 15
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 18
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 12

SATO

SATO Risk / Return Rank: 6
SATO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SATO Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
SATO Omega Ratio Rank: 6
SATO Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
SATO Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. SATO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO). 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	SATO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.30	-0.43	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.85	-0.32	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	0.96	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	-0.42	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.59	-0.70	+1.29

STCE vs. SATO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STCE Sharpe Ratio is 0.30, which is higher than the SATO Sharpe Ratio of -0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STCE and SATO, 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. SATO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STCE drawdown since its inception was -54.11%, smaller than the maximum SATO drawdown of -88.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STCE and SATO.

Drawdown Indicators

	STCE	SATO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.11%	-88.00%	+33.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.11%	-53.49%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.11%	-53.49%	-0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.74%	-45.92%	+6.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.23%	-50.75%	+28.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.61%	32.01%	-0.40%

Volatility

STCE vs. SATO - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) has a higher volatility of 14.73% compared to Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) at 12.67%. This indicates that STCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SATO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STCE	SATO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.73%	12.67%	+2.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.25%	38.10%	+4.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.12%	52.01%	+10.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.96%	62.99%	-7.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.96%	62.99%	-7.03%

STCE vs. SATO - Expense Ratio Comparison

STCE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SATO's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

STCE vs. SATO - Dividend Comparison

STCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than SATO's 7.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SATO Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF	7.60%	9.50%	15.03%	2.21%	8.97%	0.73%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.77%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STCE and SATO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, STCE and SATO 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 SATO?

STCE has higher volatility (14.73%) compared to SATO (12.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STCE dropped -54.11% vs SATO's -88.00%.

Which ETF is better, STCE or SATO?

On 3-year performance, STCE leads with 34.63% vs 20.64% for SATO. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SATO has been the lower-risk option at 12.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STCE or SATO?

Over the 3-year period, STCE has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 20.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STCE or SATO?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SATO.

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

SATO has the higher dividend yield at 7.60%, compared with 1.77% for STCE.

What is the main difference between STCE and SATO?

STCE is categorized as Blockchain, while SATO is Cryptocurrency. STCE tracks Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while SATO tracks Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts and ETPs Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for STCE and 0.60% for SATO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.30 vs -0.43), 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.