BTCW vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BTCW (Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Over the past year, BTCW returned -46.38% vs 872.41% for ZCSH. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTCW charges 0.30%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) 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, BTCW achieves a -26.78% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 22.17% return.

BTCW

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: -2.26%
• 6M: -32.70%
• YTD: -26.78%
• 1Y: -46.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: -3.72%
• 1M: 21.32%
• 6M: 34.21%
• YTD: 22.17%
• 1Y: 872.41%
• 3Y*: 147.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCW Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund	-26.78%	-6.05%	92.79%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	22.17%	446.78%	139.58%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCW and ZCSH is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.49

The correlation between BTCW and ZCSH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

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

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 95
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 90
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) 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.

	BTCW	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.06	5.04	-6.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.60	3.77	-5.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.45	-0.63
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.87	12.66	-13.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.40	23.13	-24.53

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCW Sharpe Ratio is -1.06, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 5.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCW 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

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCW drawdown since its inception was -53.37%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCW and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCW	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.37%	-93.73%	+40.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-53.37%	-69.62%	+16.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-71.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.96%	-27.13%	-21.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.65%	-73.53%	+55.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.11%	38.03%	-4.92%

Volatility

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wisdom Tree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) is 10.75%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 32.97%. This indicates that BTCW 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

	BTCW	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.75%	32.97%	-22.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.69%	107.08%	-72.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.16%	174.80%	-130.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.79%	137.97%	-88.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.79%	137.97%	-88.18%

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCW has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCW vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

Neither BTCW nor ZCSH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCW and ZCSH in my portfolio?

BTCW and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.51, 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 ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (32.97%) compared to BTCW (10.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCW dropped -53.37% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, BTCW or ZCSH?

On 1-year performance, ZCSH leads with 872.41% vs -46.38% for BTCW. On fees, BTCW is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, BTCW has been the lower-risk option at 10.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCW or ZCSH?

Over the 1-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 872.41% return vs -46.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCW or ZCSH?

BTCW is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

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

What is the main difference between BTCW and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for BTCW and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.04 vs -1.06), 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.