BLOX vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BLOX (Nicholas Crypto Income ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BLOX is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. Over the past year, BLOX returned -9.66% vs 947.14% for ZCSH. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BLOX charges 1.03%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) 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, BLOX achieves a -1.51% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 22.23% return.

BLOX

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

ZCSH

• 1D: 8.93%
• 1M: 37.54%
• 6M: 41.60%
• YTD: 22.23%
• 1Y: 947.14%
• 3Y*: 147.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	-1.51%	8.17%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	22.23%	749.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOX and ZCSH is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2025	0.48

Return for Risk

BLOX vs. ZCSH — 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

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.

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BLOX	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	5.48	-5.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.12	3.85	-3.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.46	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	13.75	-13.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.40	25.16	-25.56

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOX Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 5.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOX 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

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOX drawdown since its inception was -47.09%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOX and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOX	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.09%	-93.73%	+46.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.09%	-69.62%	+22.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-71.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.91%	-27.09%	-4.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.17%	-73.62%	+54.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.41%	37.96%	-13.55%

Volatility

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) is 12.40%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 38.93%. This indicates that BLOX 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

	BLOX	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.40%	38.93%	-26.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.81%	107.08%	-66.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.49%	174.81%	-120.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.55%	138.07%	-84.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.55%	138.07%	-84.52%

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOX vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	48.13%	22.69%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOX and ZCSH in my portfolio?

BLOX and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.48, 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 ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (38.93%) compared to BLOX (12.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOX dropped -47.09% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, BLOX or ZCSH?

On 1-year performance, ZCSH leads with 947.14% vs -9.66% for BLOX. On fees, BLOX is cheaper at 1.03% per year. On volatility, BLOX has been the lower-risk option at 12.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOX or ZCSH?

Over the 1-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 947.14% return vs -9.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOX or ZCSH?

BLOX is cheaper with a 1.03% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

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

What is the main difference between BLOX and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for BLOX and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.48 vs -0.18), 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.