BTC vs. ETHE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF) and ETHE (Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale. BTC is actively managed, while ETHE is passively managed. Over the past year, BTC returned -38.61% vs -32.48% for ETHE. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BTC charges 0.15%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ETHE.

Performance

BTC vs. ETHE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTC achieves a -25.36% return, which is significantly higher than ETHE's -39.63% return.

BTC

• 1D: -2.73%
• 1M: -18.40%
• YTD: -25.36%
• 6M: -29.74%
• 1Y: -38.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETHE

• 1D: -5.64%
• 1M: -23.64%
• YTD: -39.63%
• 6M: -42.89%
• 1Y: -32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: -11.60%
• 10Y*: —

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

BTC vs. ETHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	-25.36%	-7.50%	44.64%
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	-39.63%	-13.03%	1.34%

Correlation

The correlation between BTC and ETHE is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2024	0.82

The correlation between BTC and ETHE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BTC vs. ETHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTC

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

ETHE

ETHE Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ETHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ETHE Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

BTC vs. ETHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE). 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.

	BTC	ETHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.89	-0.48	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.22	-0.34	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.96	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.78	-0.52	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.36	-0.86	-0.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BTC vs. ETHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTC Sharpe Ratio is -0.89, which is lower than the ETHE Sharpe Ratio of -0.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTC and ETHE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BTC	ETHE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.89	-0.48	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.00	0.06	-0.06

Drawdowns

BTC vs. ETHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTC drawdown since its inception was -49.34%, smaller than the maximum ETHE drawdown of -96.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTC and ETHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTC	ETHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.34%	-96.26%	+46.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-49.34%	-63.16%	+13.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-66.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-89.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.98%	-77.17%	+29.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.61%	-72.23%	+55.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.38%	37.98%	-9.60%

Volatility

BTC vs. ETHE - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) have volatilities of 9.40% and 9.87%, 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

	BTC	ETHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.40%	9.87%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.45%	46.00%	-11.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.69%	68.31%	-24.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.30%	82.26%	-33.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.30%	191.84%	-143.54%

BTC vs. ETHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTC has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than ETHE's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTC vs. ETHE - Dividend Comparison

BTC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ETHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%.

Position	TTM
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	0.00%
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTC and ETHE in my portfolio?

BTC and ETHE have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTC or ETHE?

ETHE has higher volatility (9.87%) compared to BTC (9.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTC dropped -49.34% vs ETHE's -96.26%.

Which ETF is better, BTC or ETHE?

On 1-year performance, ETHE leads with -32.48% vs -38.61% for BTC. On fees, BTC is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BTC has been the lower-risk option at 9.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTC or ETHE?

Over the 1-year period, ETHE has performed better with a -32.48% return vs -38.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTC or ETHE?

BTC is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ETHE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTC or ETHE?

ETHE has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.00% for BTC.

What is the main difference between BTC and ETHE?

Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BTC and 2.50% for ETHE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.48 vs -0.89), 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.