BTCW vs. GDE

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

BTCW (Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - BTCW is a Cryptocurrency fund managed by WisdomTree, while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. Over the past year, BTCW returned -46.31% vs 32.21% for GDE. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTCW charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

BTCW vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTCW achieves a -26.87% return, which is significantly lower than GDE's -1.10% return.

BTCW

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: -33.04%
• YTD: -26.87%
• 1Y: -46.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDE

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -4.48%
• 6M: -7.25%
• YTD: -1.10%
• 1Y: 32.21%
• 3Y*: 38.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTCW vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCW Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund	-26.87%	-6.05%	92.79%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	-1.10%	73.76%	47.21%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCW and GDE is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.33

Return for Risk

BTCW vs. GDE — 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: 1
BTCW Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTCW Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTCW Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTCW Martin Ratio Rank: 2

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 34
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). 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.

	BTCW	GDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.05	1.05	-2.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.60	1.45	-3.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.20	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.87	1.43	-2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.39	3.39	-4.78

BTCW vs. GDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCW Sharpe Ratio is -1.05, which is lower than the GDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCW and GDE, 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

BTCW vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCW drawdown since its inception was -53.37%, which is greater than GDE's maximum drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCW and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCW	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.37%	-32.01%	-21.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-53.37%	-22.66%	-30.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.03%	-19.98%	-29.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.70%	-8.15%	-9.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.25%	9.53%	+23.72%

Volatility

BTCW vs. GDE - Volatility Comparison

Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) has a higher volatility of 10.67% compared to WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) at 7.92%. This indicates that BTCW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTCW	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.67%	7.92%	+2.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.48%	26.34%	+8.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.08%	30.80%	+13.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.75%	27.12%	+22.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.75%	27.12%	+22.63%

BTCW vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCW has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCW vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

BTCW has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.37%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BTCW Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.37%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCW and GDE in my portfolio?

BTCW and GDE have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTCW or GDE?

BTCW has higher volatility (10.67%) compared to GDE (7.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCW dropped -53.37% vs GDE's -32.01%.

Which ETF is better, BTCW or GDE?

On 1-year performance, GDE leads with 32.21% vs -46.31% for BTCW. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GDE has been the lower-risk option at 7.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCW or GDE?

Over the 1-year period, GDE has performed better with a 32.21% return vs -46.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCW or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for BTCW.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 4.37%, compared with 0.00% for BTCW.

What is the main difference between BTCW and GDE?

BTCW is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while GDE is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for BTCW and 0.20% for GDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.05 vs -1.05), 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.