What the differences between ARKB and IBIT?
2/14/2025 08:20am
The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) are both Bitcoin ETFs that provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin, but they have some key differences:
1. **Expense Ratio**: ARKB has a lower expense ratio than IBIT, at 0.21% compared to IBIT's 0.25%. This means that ARKB charges less in fees, which could result in higher returns for investors over time.
2. **Performance**: ARKB has outperformed IBIT in terms of year-to-date (YTD) returns, with a YTD increase of 12.54% compared to IBIT's 10.43% as of the latest data available.
3. **Fund Flows**: ARKB has seen positive fund flows, with $462 million in YTD flows, indicating investor interest and confidence in the ETF.
4. **Market Share**: IBIT is the largest and most liquid Bitcoin ETF, with a significant lead in assets under management (AUM) compared to ARKB.
5. **Track Record**: IBIT has a longer track record than ARKB, having been in operation for a longer period of time.
6. **Sponsor and AUM**: IBIT is backed by BlackRock, one of the world's largest investment managers, which may contribute to its strong AUM and market presence.
In summary, while both ETFs provide exposure to Bitcoin, ARKB offers a lower expense ratio and better performance than IBIT, but IBIT has a larger market share and a longer track record. The choice between the two ETFs may depend on an investor's individual preferences, risk tolerance, and investment goals.