STCE vs. UTES

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) and UTES (Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while UTES is a Utilities Equities fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. STCE is passively managed, while UTES is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, STCE returned 57.39%/yr vs 22.00%/yr for UTES. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. STCE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for UTES.

Performance

STCE vs. UTES - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STCE achieves a 26.55% return, which is significantly higher than UTES's 0.26% return.

STCE

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 6.71%
• YTD: 26.55%
• 6M: 11.67%
• 1Y: 76.56%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UTES

• 1D: 1.56%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 8.95%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 15.32%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

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

STCE vs. UTES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	26.55%	36.12%	41.76%	108.65%	-40.98%
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF	0.26%	25.71%	45.35%	-2.46%	-2.93%

Correlation

The correlation between STCE and UTES is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2022	0.36

STCE vs. UTES - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STCE	UTES
Financial Services	66.8%	-
Technology	28.0%	-
Communication Services	5.1%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

STCE vs. UTES — Risk / Return Rank

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

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 32
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

UTES

UTES Risk / Return Rank: 16
UTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
UTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
UTES Omega Ratio Rank: 15
UTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
UTES Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. UTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES). 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	UTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	0.39	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	0.67	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.08	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	0.60	+0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.35	1.32	+1.03

STCE vs. UTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is higher than the UTES Sharpe Ratio of 0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STCE and UTES, 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. UTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STCE drawdown since its inception was -54.11%, which is greater than UTES's maximum drawdown of -35.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STCE and UTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	STCE	UTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.11%	-35.39%	-18.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.11%	-13.88%	-40.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.11%	-17.62%	-36.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.70%	-9.10%	-19.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.03%	-5.53%	-16.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.29%	6.29%	+24.00%

Volatility

STCE vs. UTES - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) has a higher volatility of 18.44% compared to Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) at 7.23%. This indicates that STCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than UTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STCE	UTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.44%	7.23%	+11.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	44.42%	17.05%	+27.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.19%	21.32%	+40.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.12%	20.62%	+35.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	56.12%	20.17%	+35.95%

STCE vs. UTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

STCE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than UTES's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

STCE vs. UTES - Dividend Comparison

STCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, more than UTES's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.55%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF	1.49%	1.42%	1.51%	2.44%	2.13%	1.94%	2.09%	1.84%	2.09%	3.44%	3.53%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STCE and UTES in my portfolio?

STCE and UTES have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STCE or UTES?

STCE has higher volatility (18.44%) compared to UTES (7.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STCE dropped -54.11% vs UTES's -35.39%.

Which ETF is better, STCE or UTES?

On 3-year performance, STCE leads with 57.39% vs 22.00% for UTES. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, UTES has been the lower-risk option at 7.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STCE or UTES?

Over the 3-year period, STCE has performed better with a 57.39% return vs 22.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STCE or UTES?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for UTES.

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

STCE has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 1.49% for UTES.

What is the main difference between STCE and UTES?

STCE is categorized as Blockchain, while UTES is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for STCE and 0.49% for UTES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.39), 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.