ETCG vs. BTRN

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

ETCG (Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)) and BTRN (Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - ETCG tracks the Ethereum Classic (ETC) while BTRN tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Trend Indicator Futures Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ETCG returned -59.15% vs -23.33% for BTRN. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ETCG charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BTRN.

Performance

ETCG vs. BTRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) and Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETCG achieves a -38.98% return, which is significantly lower than BTRN's -9.52% return.

ETCG

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -3.70%
• 6M: -45.78%
• YTD: -38.98%
• 1Y: -59.15%
• 3Y*: -19.19%
• 5Y*: -32.50%
• 10Y*: —

BTRN

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.38%
• 6M: -12.62%
• YTD: -9.52%
• 1Y: -23.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETCG vs. BTRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETCG Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)	-38.98%	-39.78%	-23.73%
BTRN Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF	-9.52%	4.89%	3.25%

Correlation

The correlation between ETCG and BTRN 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2024	0.49

Return for Risk

ETCG vs. BTRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETCG

ETCG Risk / Return Rank: 2
ETCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
ETCG Omega Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Martin Ratio Rank: 3

BTRN

BTRN Risk / Return Rank: 1
BTRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BTRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
BTRN Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BTRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
BTRN 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.

ETCG vs. BTRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) and Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN). 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.

	ETCG	BTRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.96	-1.35	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.74	-1.84	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.75	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.86	-0.90	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.21	-1.41	+0.20

ETCG vs. BTRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETCG Sharpe Ratio is -0.96, which is comparable to the BTRN Sharpe Ratio of -1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETCG and BTRN, 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

ETCG vs. BTRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETCG drawdown since its inception was -96.59%, which is greater than BTRN's maximum drawdown of -36.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETCG and BTRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETCG	BTRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.59%	-36.97%	-59.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-69.23%	-26.04%	-43.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.59%	-25.48%	-70.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.80%	-14.94%	-67.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	48.94%	16.55%	+32.39%

Volatility

ETCG vs. BTRN - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) has a higher volatility of 11.22% compared to Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN) at 2.04%. This indicates that ETCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETCG	BTRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.22%	2.04%	+9.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.23%	10.29%	+25.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.68%	17.52%	+44.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	91.85%	30.23%	+61.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	114.62%	30.23%	+84.39%

ETCG vs. BTRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETCG has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than BTRN's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETCG vs. BTRN - Dividend Comparison

ETCG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BTRN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 31.03%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BTRN Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF	31.03%	27.76%	2.56%
ETCG Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETCG and BTRN in my portfolio?

ETCG and BTRN 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, ETCG or BTRN?

ETCG has higher volatility (11.22%) compared to BTRN (2.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETCG dropped -96.59% vs BTRN's -36.97%.

Which ETF is better, ETCG or BTRN?

On 1-year performance, BTRN leads with -23.33% vs -59.15% for ETCG. On fees, BTRN is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BTRN has been the lower-risk option at 2.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETCG or BTRN?

Over the 1-year period, BTRN has performed better with a -23.33% return vs -59.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETCG or BTRN?

BTRN is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ETCG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ETCG or BTRN?

BTRN has the higher dividend yield at 31.03%, compared with 0.00% for ETCG.

What is the main difference between ETCG and BTRN?

ETCG tracks Ethereum Classic (ETC), while BTRN tracks CoinDesk Bitcoin Trend Indicator Futures Index. They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Global X. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for ETCG and 0.95% for BTRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.96 vs -1.35), 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.