BTCO vs. GBTC

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

BTCO (Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF) and GBTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - BTCO tracks the Lukka Prime Reference Bitcoin Rate while GBTC tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark Rate Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BTCO returned -41.78% vs -42.50% for GBTC. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BTCO charges 0.39%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for GBTC.

Performance

BTCO vs. GBTC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC). 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 BTCO having a -27.44% return and GBTC slightly lower at -27.85%.

BTCO

• 1D: 2.68%
• 1M: -21.33%
• YTD: -27.44%
• 6M: -30.90%
• 1Y: -41.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GBTC

• 1D: 2.71%
• 1M: -21.45%
• YTD: -27.85%
• 6M: -31.30%
• 1Y: -42.50%
• 3Y*: 55.49%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 46.15%

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

BTCO vs. GBTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCO Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF	-27.44%	-6.58%	93.87%
GBTC Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF	-27.85%	-7.65%	82.78%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCO and GBTC is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	1.00

The correlation between BTCO and GBTC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BTCO vs. GBTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTCO

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

GBTC

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

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.

BTCO vs. GBTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC). 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.

	BTCO	GBTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.95	-0.97	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.37	-1.40	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	0.84	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	-0.81	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.42	-1.43	+0.01

BTCO vs. GBTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCO Sharpe Ratio is -0.95, which is comparable to the GBTC Sharpe Ratio of -0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCO and GBTC, 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

BTCO vs. GBTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCO drawdown since its inception was -52.05%, smaller than the maximum GBTC drawdown of -89.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCO and GBTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCO	GBTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.05%	-89.91%	+37.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.05%	-52.45%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-52.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-85.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-89.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.46%	-49.89%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.37%	-43.43%	+27.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.45%	29.68%	-0.23%

Volatility

BTCO vs. GBTC - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) have volatilities of 11.90% and 11.92%, 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

	BTCO	GBTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.90%	11.92%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.38%	34.41%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.92%	44.01%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.83%	62.27%	-12.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.83%	82.18%	-32.35%

BTCO vs. GBTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCO has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than GBTC's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCO vs. GBTC - Dividend Comparison

Neither BTCO nor GBTC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BTCO Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GBTC Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	5.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCO and GBTC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, BTCO and GBTC 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, BTCO or GBTC?

GBTC has higher volatility (11.92%) compared to BTCO (11.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCO dropped -52.05% vs GBTC's -89.91%.

Which ETF is better, BTCO or GBTC?

On 1-year performance, BTCO leads with -41.78% vs -42.50% for GBTC. On fees, BTCO is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCO or GBTC?

Over the 1-year period, BTCO has performed better with a -41.78% return vs -42.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCO or GBTC?

BTCO is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for GBTC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTCO or GBTC?

BTCO and GBTC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BTCO and GBTC?

BTCO tracks Lukka Prime Reference Bitcoin Rate, while GBTC tracks CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark Rate Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for BTCO and 1.50% for GBTC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BTCO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.95 vs -0.97), 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.