BITO vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

BITO (ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BITO is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BITO returned 21.02%/yr vs 150.76%/yr for ZCSH. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BITO charges 0.95%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

BITO vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BITO achieves a -27.10% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 26.89% return.

BITO

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -2.64%
• 6M: -34.63%
• YTD: -27.10%
• 1Y: -46.42%
• 3Y*: 21.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: 3.81%
• 1M: 14.64%
• 6M: 31.66%
• YTD: 26.89%
• 1Y: 978.20%
• 3Y*: 150.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BITO vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BITO ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF	-27.10%	-11.19%	104.45%	137.33%	-63.91%	-29.31%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	26.89%	446.78%	96.92%	65.91%	-86.30%	-48.60%

Correlation

The correlation between BITO and ZCSH is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2021	0.45

The correlation between BITO and ZCSH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BITO vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

BITO

BITO Risk / Return Rank: 2
BITO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
BITO Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BITO Martin Ratio Rank: 2

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 95
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 90
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

BITO vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) 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.

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.

	BITO	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.06	5.66	-6.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.60	3.88	-5.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.47	-0.64
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.85	14.20	-15.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.38	25.97	-27.35

BITO vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BITO Sharpe Ratio is -1.06, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 5.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BITO and ZCSH, 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

BITO vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BITO drawdown since its inception was -77.86%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BITO and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BITO	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.86%	-93.73%	+15.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.47%	-69.62%	+15.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.47%	-71.90%	+17.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.72%	-24.32%	-25.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.05%	-73.57%	+36.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.76%	37.99%	-4.23%

Volatility

BITO vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) is 11.45%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 38.98%. This indicates that BITO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZCSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BITO	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.45%	38.98%	-27.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.67%	107.07%	-72.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.18%	174.72%	-130.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	54.82%	138.02%	-83.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	54.82%	138.02%	-83.20%

BITO vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BITO has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BITO vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

BITO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 59.70%, while ZCSH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BITO ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF	59.70%	78.29%	61.59%	15.14%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BITO and ZCSH in my portfolio?

BITO and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BITO or ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (38.98%) compared to BITO (11.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BITO dropped -77.86% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, BITO or ZCSH?

On 3-year performance, ZCSH leads with 150.76% vs 21.02% for BITO. On fees, BITO is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BITO has been the lower-risk option at 11.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BITO or ZCSH?

Over the 3-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 150.76% return vs 21.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BITO or ZCSH?

BITO is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

BITO has the higher dividend yield at 59.70%, compared with 0.00% for ZCSH.

What is the main difference between BITO and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BITO and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.66 vs -1.06), 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.