ETCG vs. GDLC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ETCG (Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale - ETCG tracks the Ethereum Classic (ETC) while GDLC tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ETCG returned -31.44%/yr vs 5.70%/yr for GDLC. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ETCG charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

ETCG vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETCG achieves a -38.17% return, which is significantly lower than GDLC's -35.94% return.

ETCG

• 1D: 3.62%
• 1M: -7.82%
• YTD: -38.17%
• 6M: -41.55%
• 1Y: -50.68%
• 3Y*: -15.22%
• 5Y*: -31.44%
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -21.96%
• YTD: -35.94%
• 6M: -35.67%
• 1Y: -44.01%
• 3Y*: 48.09%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: —

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

ETCG vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ETCG Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)	-38.17%	-39.78%	-9.57%	289.22%	-80.45%	145.11%	-10.70%	-24.34%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-35.94%	0.45%	136.98%	353.26%	-84.21%	27.43%	233.86%	-29.63%

Correlation

The correlation between ETCG and GDLC is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 22, 2019	0.59

The correlation between ETCG and GDLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETCG vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETCG

ETCG Risk / Return Rank: 3
ETCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ETCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ETCG Omega Ratio Rank: 3
ETCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
ETCG Martin Ratio Rank: 4

GDLC

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

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. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). 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	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.82	-0.90	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.28	-1.28	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.86	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.74	-0.77	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.09	-1.31	+0.21

ETCG vs. GDLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETCG Sharpe Ratio is -0.82, which is comparable to the GDLC Sharpe Ratio of -0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETCG and GDLC, 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. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETCG drawdown since its inception was -96.59%, roughly equal to the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETCG and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETCG	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.59%	-94.14%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-68.71%	-57.05%	-11.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.59%	-57.05%	-22.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.70%	-94.14%	+1.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.53%	-58.80%	-36.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.72%	-52.78%	-29.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	46.42%	33.74%	+12.68%

Volatility

ETCG vs. GDLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) is 11.97%, while Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) has a volatility of 13.98%. This indicates that ETCG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETCG	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.97%	13.98%	-2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.55%	36.64%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.06%	49.05%	+13.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	93.30%	73.66%	+19.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	114.95%	94.14%	+20.81%

ETCG vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETCG has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETCG vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETCG nor GDLC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETCG and GDLC in my portfolio?

ETCG and GDLC have a correlation of 0.69, 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 GDLC?

GDLC has higher volatility (13.98%) compared to ETCG (11.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETCG dropped -96.59% vs GDLC's -94.14%.

Which ETF is better, ETCG or GDLC?

On 5-year performance, GDLC leads with 5.70% vs -31.44% for ETCG. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, ETCG has been the lower-risk option at 11.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETCG or GDLC?

Over the 5-year period, GDLC has performed better with a 5.70% return vs -31.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETCG or GDLC?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ETCG.

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

ETCG and GDLC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ETCG and GDLC?

ETCG tracks Ethereum Classic (ETC), while GDLC tracks CoinDesk 5 Index. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for ETCG and 0.59% for GDLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.82 vs -0.90), 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.