CRYPTO 100 ® vs FTSE 100 vs S&P 500
CRYPTO 100 ® vs FTSE 100 vs S&P 500: The Complete Index Comparison (2026)
The CRYPTO 100 ® Index is an independent rules based cryptocurrency index using our unique VALT Score (we measure each cryptoassets Volatility, Adoption, Liquidity and Tokenomics) methodology to select the top 100 cryptoassets. Each cryptoasset is allocated a VALT Score out of 100.
Unlike traditional stock indexes, it offers exposure to digital assets with significantly higher growth potential—but also higher volatility.
Key differences at a glance:
CRYPTO 100 ® tracks the top 100 cryptocurrencies with Bitcoin accounting for 56.90% of the weight, Ethereum at 17.44%, and XRP at 6.53%. Average 10 year returns for Bitcoin exceed 195% and Ethereum exceeds 663%.
FTSE 100 tracks 100 largest UK stocks with average 10-year returns of 7.4% annually. The index rebalances 1 July, 1 Octover, 1 Janyard and 1 April.
S&P 500 tracks 500 largest US stocks with average 10-year returns of 10.9% annually.
Current prices in June 2026: FTSE 100 at 10,368, S&P 500 at 7,384, and CRYPTO 100 Index at 82.99.
What Each Index Tracks
CRYPTO 100 ® Index
The independent crypto index of the top 100 cryptoassets selected using our unique VALT Score methodology. Unlike indices that merely list top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap, CRYPTO 100 uses a rules based selection process evaluating each cryptoassets Volatility, Adoption, Liquidity and Tokenomics.
CRYPTO 100 ® holds 100 cryptocurrencies with Bitcoin at 56.90%, Ethereum at 17.44%, and XRP at 6.53% of total weight. The methodology uses VALT Score for Volatility, Adoption, Liquidity and Tokenomics. Rebalancing happens quarterly based on VALT Score changes. Trading occurs on global cryptocurrency markets 24/7.
The index was created by Neil Westwood, founder of Crypto Owl, a UK BBC Dragons’ Den winner and entrepreneur. The founders have been in business for over 20 years. Founding Magic Whiteboard Limited in 2006. Magic Whiteboard is one of the most successful investments on BBC Dragons’s Den. Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden invested £100,000 and received £800,000 after 6 years.
FTSE 100 (Footsie)
The Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index tracks the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange by market capitalisation.
FTSE 100 holds 100 UK blue chip companies. Top sectors include Financials at 22.04%, Consumer Staples at 17.50%, Industrials at 16.23%, and Health Care at 10.89%. The top 10 holdings account for 45.53% of weight with AstraZeneca PLC at 7.57% as the largest.
The methodology uses market cap weighting with quarterly review rebalancing. Trading occurs on the London Stock Exchange during UK business hours. Current value is 10,368.05 as of June 2026.
S&P 500
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index tracks 500 of the largest companies listed on US stock exchanges, representing approximately 80% of total US market capitalisation.
S&P 500 holds 500 US large cap companies across Technology, Healthcare, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary sectors. The methodology uses diluted market cap weighting with quarterly rebalancing and ad-hoc changes. Trading occurs on US stock exchanges including NYSE and Nasdaq. Current value is 7,383.74 as of June 2026.
Performance Comparison
Crypto outperforms dramatically over long periods. Bitcoin returned over 195% and Ethereum returned over 663% over 10 years, exceeding both FTSE 100 at 7.4% annually and S&P 500 at 10.9% annually.
Stocks perform better in mid term downturns. Over the past year from 2025 to 2026, S&P 500 is up 5.4% while Bitcoin dropped over 30% at one point, showing very different mid-term performance patterns.
Crypto has the highest volatility. Bitcoin’s 1 year volatility is 42.59% compared to FTSE 100’s 14.01%, making it nearly 3 times more volatile.
Bitcoin offers the best return-per-risk ratio at 1.42 for 1 year compared to FTSE 100’s 0.78, meaning crypto delivers higher returns relative to volatility when you can tolerate the risk.
Recent annual returns show Bitcoin at +136.68% in 2024 and +147.26% in 2023, while FTSE 100 returned +14.82% and +9.96% respectively, and S&P 500 returned approximately 24% and 26%. In 2022 Bitcoin dropped -63.93% while FTSE 100 dropped only -0.93% and S&P 500 dropped around -19%.
Risk Comparison
Crypto is significantly more volatile. Bitcoin’s volatility of 42% to 45% is roughly 3 times higher than stock indices at 12% to 15%, meaning sharper price swings in both directions.
Bitcoin has larger crash potential. Bitcoin’s maximum drawdown since inception reached -74.24% compared to FTSE 100’s -58.58%, showing crypto can lose value more dramatically during bear markets.
Stocks provide stability. Stock indices have lower volatility and smaller maximum drawdowns, making them better for risk-averse investors seeking steady growth
Correlation exists between crypto and stocks. Bitcoin’s 90 day correlation with S&P 500 reached 0.58, showing crypto and stocks aren’t completely unrelated and both can decline together during risk-off periods.
1 year volatility for Bitcoin is 42.59% compared to FTSE 100 at 14.01% and S&P 500 around 15%. 3 year volatility for Bitcoin is 45.72% compared to FTSE 100 at 12.50% and S&P 500 around 13%. 5-year volatility for FTSE 100 is 14.36% and S&P 500 around 14%.
Maximum drawdown over 1 year for Bitcoin is -32.10% and for FTSE 100 is -16.89%. Maximum drawdown since inception for Bitcoin is -74.24% and for FTSE 100 is -58.58%.
Fundamental Differences
Stocks have proven real world value. The S&P 500 represents a basket of 500 long standing companies that generate revenue and create real-world value, considered safer than crypto which is still in early stages.
Crypto is speculative. Stock indices have revenue streams, annual reports, and dividend payments backing value, whereas crypto is a much more speculative investment comparing apples to oranges.
CRYPTO 100 ® consists of digital currencies as asset type with value driven by network adoption, technology, and utility. It has no revenue streams and no dividends. Trading occurs 24/7 year-round. Regulation is evolving with FCA oversight in the UK. It has no physical value as it is digital only.
FTSE 100 consists of physical company shares as asset type with value driven by revenue, profits, and dividends. Companies generate annual revenue streams and many pay dividends. Trading occurs during UK business hours only. Regulation is heavily regulated by FCA. Companies have real world physical value.
S&P 500 consists of physical company shares as asset type with value driven by revenue, profits, and dividends. Companies generate annual revenue streams and many pay dividends. Trading occurs during US business hours only. Regulation is heavily regulated by SEC. Companies have real-world physical value.
Who Should Invest in Each?
CRYPTO 100 is Best For
High risk tolerance investors who can handle 40% or higher volatility. Long term horizon of 5+ years to ride out crypto cycles. Diversification seekers wanting exposure to digital assets. Those who prefer 24/7 trading with no weekend gaps. Growth focused portfolios with 195% or higher potential returns. Tech savvy investors understanding blockchain technology. UK investors wanting FCA regulated crypto exposure.
FTSE 100 is Best For
UK based investors wanting local market exposure. Conservative portfolios seeking steady 7% annual returns. Dividend income seekers as many companies pay dividends. Lower volatility tolerance at 14% versus 42%. Blue chip stability with 100 largest UK companies. Regulated safety through heavy FCA regulation. Shorter timeframes of 1 to 3 years with lower drawdown risk.
S&P 500 is Best For
US market exposure as the largest global economy. Balanced growth with 10.9% annual returns. Diversification across 500 companies. Moderate risk tolerance at 15% volatility. Long-term wealth building with proven 100+ year history. Dividend and growth combination. Institutional-grade investing as the most tracked index globally.
Portfolio Strategy: Should You Combine All Three?
Yes, they are complementary in a diversified portfolio.
In a risk on environment, stocks and crypto are complementary parts of a diversified portfolio. Here is why.
Benefits of combining include growth plus stability where crypto provides growth potential at 195% or higher and stocks provide steady growth at 7% to 11%.
Different cycles mean crypto and stocks perform very differently in mid term when one underperforms the other may excel. Hedging where crypto can hedge against traditional market downturns though correlation of 0.58 means they are not completely independent. Currency diversification with crypto denominated in USD, FTSE 100 in GBP, and S&P 500 in USD
Never allocate more than you can afford to lose to crypto.
FAQ: CRYPTO 100 vs FTSE 100 vs S&P 500
What is the CRYPTO 100 index?
The CRYPTO 100 ® Index is the independent crypto index of the top 100 cryptoassets selected using our unique VALT Score methodology. Unlike merely listing the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap, it uses a rules based selection process.
How does CRYPTO 100 compare to FTSE 100?
CRYPTO 100 offers much higher returns at 195% or higher for Bitcoin versus 7.4% annually for FTSE but much higher volatility at 42.59% versus 14.01%. FTSE 100 provides stability with dividends while CRYPTO 100 offers growth potential.
How does CRYPTO 100 compare to S&P 500?
CRYPTO 100 has higher returns at 195% versus 10.9% annually but higher risk at 42.59% volatility versus around 15%. S&P 500 represents 500 established companies with revenue while CRYPTO 100 represents speculative digital assets.
Which index is best for beginners?
FTSE 100 or S&P 500 for most beginners due to lower volatility and proven track records. CRYPTO 100 is suitable only if you have high risk tolerance and understand blockchain technology.
What’s the current CRYPTO 100 ® index value.
CRYPTO 100 index is at 82.99 as of June 2026, with Bitcoin at $72,721 and 56.73% market weight.
Who created the CRYPTO 100 ?
CRYPTO 100 Index is created by a UK entrepreneur (Neil Westwood) operating under UK business regulations. Crypto investments themselves face evolving FCA regulation in the UK.
Ready to learn more about CRYPTO 100?
1. Start using the free independent crypto index that uses VALT Score methodology to select the top 100 cryptoassets.
2. View Current CRYPTO ® 100 Components to see the full list of 100 cryptocurrencies.
Learn VALT Score Methodology to understand how volatility, adoption, liquidity and tokenomics are assessed.
3. Explore the free Beginner Crypto Guides from Crypto Owl for free crypto education.
4. License CRYPTO 100 ® for Your Product if you want to use the index in your financial service.
CRYPTO 100 ® — The Independent Crypto Index of the Top 100 Cryptoassets.
