BTF vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BTF (Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. BTF is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BTF returned 14.70%/yr vs 191.19%/yr for ZCSH. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTF charges 1.24%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

BTF vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF) 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, BTF achieves a -30.57% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 49.20% return.

BTF

• 1D: -5.41%
• 1M: -16.05%
• YTD: -30.57%
• 6M: -32.41%
• 1Y: -32.30%
• 3Y*: 14.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: 15.08%
• 1M: 75.10%
• YTD: 49.20%
• 6M: 98.43%
• 1Y: 1,084.60%
• 3Y*: 191.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTF vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BTF Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF	-30.57%	-12.44%	67.60%	136.86%	-63.05%	-26.38%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	49.20%	446.78%	96.92%	65.91%	-86.30%	-8.15%

Correlation

The correlation between BTF and ZCSH is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2021	0.46

Return for Risk

BTF vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTF

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

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 92
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 81
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.

BTF vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF) 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.

	BTF	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.60	6.61	-7.21
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.63	4.20	-4.83
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.50	-0.57
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.59	15.67	-16.26
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.99	30.75	-31.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BTF vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTF Sharpe Ratio is -0.60, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 6.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BTF	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.60	6.61	-7.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.15	0.11	-0.26

Drawdowns

BTF vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTF drawdown since its inception was -77.50%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTF and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTF	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.50%	-93.73%	+16.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-55.75%	-69.62%	+13.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-55.75%	-71.90%	+16.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-54.59%	-11.00%	-43.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.64%	-74.46%	+34.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.13%	35.47%	-2.34%

Volatility

BTF vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF) is 9.46%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 48.72%. This indicates that BTF 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

	BTF	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.46%	48.72%	-39.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.97%	98.05%	-58.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.18%	165.89%	-111.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	58.42%	136.90%	-78.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.42%	136.90%	-78.48%

BTF vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTF has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTF vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

BTF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 209.94%, while ZCSH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BTF Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF	209.94%	146.05%	52.96%	15.98%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTF and ZCSH in my portfolio?

BTF and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTF or ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (48.72%) compared to BTF (9.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTF dropped -77.50% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, BTF or ZCSH?

On 3-year performance, ZCSH leads with 191.19% vs 14.70% for BTF. On fees, BTF is cheaper at 1.24% per year. On volatility, BTF has been the lower-risk option at 9.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTF or ZCSH?

Over the 3-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 191.19% return vs 14.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTF or ZCSH?

BTF is cheaper with a 1.24% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

BTF has the higher dividend yield at 209.94%, compared with 0.00% for ZCSH.

What is the main difference between BTF and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: Valkyrie and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 1.24% for BTF and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.61 vs -0.60), 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.