BITW vs. GDLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BITW (Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - BITW tracks the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index while GDLC tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BITW returned 1.78%/yr vs 4.86%/yr for GDLC. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BITW charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

BITW vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF (BITW) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BITW having a -32.35% return and GDLC slightly lower at -32.51%.

BITW

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: -17.92%
• YTD: -32.35%
• 6M: -32.63%
• 1Y: -35.22%
• 3Y*: 52.08%
• 5Y*: 1.78%
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: -3.16%
• 1M: -17.46%
• YTD: -32.51%
• 6M: -32.63%
• 1Y: -38.54%
• 3Y*: 49.72%
• 5Y*: 4.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

BITW vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BITW Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF	-32.35%	-2.63%	160.69%	331.10%	-85.92%	-36.83%	403.25%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-32.51%	0.45%	136.98%	353.26%	-84.21%	27.43%	5.72%

Correlation

The correlation between BITW and GDLC is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2020	0.69

Over the past year, BITW and GDLC have become more correlated (0.98) than their long-term average of 0.69, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

BITW vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BITW

BITW Risk / Return Rank: 4
BITW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BITW Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
BITW Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BITW Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BITW Martin Ratio Rank: 4

GDLC

GDLC Risk / Return Rank: 3
GDLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Omega Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

BITW vs. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF (BITW) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). 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.

	BITW	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.71	-0.79	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.86	-1.03	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	0.88	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	-0.69	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.08	-1.16	+0.07

BITW vs. GDLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BITW Sharpe Ratio is -0.71, which is comparable to the GDLC Sharpe Ratio of -0.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BITW and GDLC, 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

BITW vs. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BITW drawdown since its inception was -96.46%, roughly equal to the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BITW and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BITW	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.46%	-94.14%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-55.51%	-56.34%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-55.51%	-56.34%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-91.93%	-94.14%	+2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-71.40%	-56.58%	-14.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.56%	-52.78%	-16.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	32.56%	33.36%	-0.80%

Volatility

BITW vs. GDLC - Volatility Comparison

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF (BITW) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) have volatilities of 14.10% and 13.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BITW	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.10%	13.86%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.34%	36.82%	+0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.87%	49.09%	+0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	65.59%	73.78%	-8.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	108.35%	94.18%	+14.17%

BITW vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BITW has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BITW vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

Neither BITW nor GDLC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BITW and GDLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, BITW and GDLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BITW or GDLC?

BITW has higher volatility (14.10%) compared to GDLC (13.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BITW dropped -96.46% vs GDLC's -94.14%.

Which ETF is better, BITW or GDLC?

On 5-year performance, GDLC leads with 4.86% vs 1.78% for BITW. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GDLC has been the lower-risk option at 13.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BITW or GDLC?

Over the 5-year period, GDLC has performed better with a 4.86% return vs 1.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BITW or GDLC?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BITW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BITW or GDLC?

BITW and GDLC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BITW and GDLC?

BITW tracks Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index, while GDLC tracks CoinDesk 5 Index. They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BITW and 0.59% for GDLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.71 vs -0.79), 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.