BTCW vs. BTC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BTCW (Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund) and BTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Over the past year, BTCW returned -38.63% vs -38.61% for BTC. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BTCW charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for BTC.

Performance

BTCW vs. BTC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BTCW having a -25.39% return and BTC slightly higher at -25.36%.

BTCW

• 1D: -2.62%
• 1M: -18.38%
• YTD: -25.39%
• 6M: -29.81%
• 1Y: -38.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BTC

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

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

BTCW vs. BTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCW Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund	-25.39%	-6.05%	42.50%
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	-25.36%	-7.50%	44.64%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCW and BTC 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 Aug 1, 2024	1.00

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

Return for Risk

BTCW vs. BTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTCW

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

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

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.

BTCW vs. BTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC). 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.

	BTCW	BTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.89	-0.89	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.23	-1.22	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.86	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.79	-0.78	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.36	-1.36	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BTCW vs. BTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCW Sharpe Ratio is -0.89, which is comparable to the BTC Sharpe Ratio of -0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCW and BTC, 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

	BTCW	BTC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.89	-0.89	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	-0.00	+0.31

Drawdowns

BTCW vs. BTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCW drawdown since its inception was -49.29%, roughly equal to the maximum BTC drawdown of -49.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCW and BTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCW	BTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.29%	-49.34%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-49.29%	-49.34%	+0.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.99%	-47.98%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.99%	-16.61%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.40%	28.38%	+0.02%

Volatility

BTCW vs. BTC - Volatility Comparison

Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) have volatilities of 9.48% and 9.40%, 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

	BTCW	BTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.48%	9.40%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.25%	34.45%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.53%	43.69%	-0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.10%	48.30%	+1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.10%	48.30%	+1.80%

BTCW vs. BTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCW has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than BTC's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCW vs. BTC - Dividend Comparison

Neither BTCW nor BTC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCW and BTC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, BTCW and BTC 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, BTCW or BTC?

BTCW has higher volatility (9.48%) compared to BTC (9.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCW dropped -49.29% vs BTC's -49.34%.

Which ETF is better, BTCW or BTC?

On 1-year performance, BTC leads with -38.61% vs -38.63% for BTCW. On fees, BTC is cheaper at 0.15% 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, BTCW or BTC?

Over the 1-year period, BTC has performed better with a -38.61% return vs -38.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCW or BTC?

BTC is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for BTCW.

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

BTCW and BTC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BTCW and BTC?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for BTCW and 0.15% for BTC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.89 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.