BLOX vs. GDLC

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BLOX (Nicholas Crypto Income ETF) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BLOX is actively managed, while GDLC is passively managed. Over the past year, BLOX returned -9.66% vs -44.43% for GDLC. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BLOX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

BLOX vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLOX achieves a -1.51% return, which is significantly higher than GDLC's -29.41% return.

BLOX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: -12.07%
• 6M: -15.20%
• YTD: -1.51%
• 1Y: -9.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: 4.33%
• 1M: 2.75%
• 6M: -35.11%
• YTD: -29.41%
• 1Y: -44.43%
• 3Y*: 44.66%
• 5Y*: 2.93%
• 10Y*: —

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

BLOX vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	-1.51%	8.17%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-29.41%	-10.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOX and GDLC is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2025	0.78

The correlation between BLOX and GDLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLOX vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLOX

BLOX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BLOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
BLOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
BLOX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

GDLC

GDLC Risk / Return Rank: 3
GDLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
GDLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
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.

BLOX vs. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) 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.

	BLOX	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	-0.91	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.12	-1.30	+1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	0.86	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	-0.78	+0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.40	-1.24	+0.85

BLOX vs. GDLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOX Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is higher than the GDLC Sharpe Ratio of -0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOX 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

BLOX vs. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOX drawdown since its inception was -47.09%, smaller than the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOX and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOX	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.09%	-94.14%	+47.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.09%	-57.18%	+10.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-57.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-94.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.91%	-54.59%	+22.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.17%	-52.81%	+33.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.41%	35.79%	-11.38%

Volatility

BLOX vs. GDLC - Volatility Comparison

Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) have volatilities of 12.40% and 12.25%, 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

	BLOX	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.40%	12.25%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.81%	36.99%	+3.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.49%	49.20%	+5.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.55%	73.16%	-19.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.55%	93.86%	-40.31%

BLOX vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOX vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

BLOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 48.13%, while GDLC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	48.13%	22.69%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOX and GDLC in my portfolio?

BLOX and GDLC have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLOX or GDLC?

BLOX has higher volatility (12.40%) compared to GDLC (12.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOX dropped -47.09% vs GDLC's -94.14%.

Which ETF is better, BLOX or GDLC?

On 1-year performance, BLOX leads with -9.66% vs -44.43% for GDLC. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GDLC has been the lower-risk option at 12.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOX or GDLC?

Over the 1-year period, BLOX has performed better with a -9.66% return vs -44.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOX or GDLC?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BLOX.

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

BLOX has the higher dividend yield at 48.13%, compared with 0.00% for GDLC.

What is the main difference between BLOX and GDLC?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for BLOX and 0.59% for GDLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.18 vs -0.91), 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.