ARKD vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. ARKD is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKD charges 0.90%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ARKD

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: -15.46%
• 1M: 12.42%
• YTD: 19.47%
• 6M: 43.36%
• 1Y: 855.73%
• 3Y*: 171.44%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-0.32%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	27.73%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKD and ZCSH is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.40

Return for Risk

ARKD vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 91
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARKD	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.04	0.07	-0.11

Drawdowns

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKD drawdown since its inception was -14.03%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKD and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKD	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-93.73%	+79.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-69.62%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-71.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-28.74%	+25.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-74.37%	+68.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	35.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ARKD	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	50.94%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	95.34%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.90%	166.88%	-146.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.90%	137.01%	-117.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.90%	137.01%	-117.11%

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKD vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARKD nor ZCSH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKD and ZCSH in my portfolio?

ARKD and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ARKD or ZCSH?

On fees, ARKD is cheaper at 0.90% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKD or ZCSH?

ARKD is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKD or ZCSH?

ARKD and ZCSH have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARKD and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: ARK and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for ARKD and 2.50% for ZCSH.