ETCG vs. GLNK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ETCG (Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)) and GLNK (Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale - ETCG tracks the Ethereum Classic (ETC) while GLNK tracks the Chainlink (LINK). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ETCG returned -16.15%/yr vs -11.67%/yr for GLNK. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 2.50% expense ratio.

Performance

ETCG vs. GLNK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ETCG having a -39.56% return and GLNK slightly higher at -38.32%.

ETCG

• 1D: -3.45%
• 1M: -8.20%
• YTD: -39.56%
• 6M: -43.02%
• 1Y: -52.25%
• 3Y*: -16.15%
• 5Y*: -32.95%
• 10Y*: —

GLNK

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: -19.90%
• YTD: -38.32%
• 6M: -39.13%
• 1Y: -61.60%
• 3Y*: -11.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETCG vs. GLNK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ETCG Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)	-39.56%	-39.78%	-9.57%	289.22%	-62.77%
GLNK Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF	-38.32%	-87.10%	38.45%	840.06%	-18.87%

Correlation

The correlation between ETCG and GLNK is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2022	0.30

Over the past year, ETCG and GLNK have become more correlated (0.57) than their long-term average of 0.30, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

ETCG vs. GLNK — 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: 2
ETCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Omega Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
ETCG Martin Ratio Rank: 4

GLNK

GLNK Risk / Return Rank: 5
GLNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
GLNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GLNK Omega Ratio Rank: 5
GLNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
GLNK Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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. GLNK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) and Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK). 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	GLNK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.85	-0.57	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.37	-0.52	-0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.94	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.76	-0.69	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.14	-0.89	-0.25

ETCG vs. GLNK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETCG Sharpe Ratio is -0.85, which is lower than the GLNK Sharpe Ratio of -0.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETCG and GLNK, 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. GLNK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETCG drawdown since its inception was -96.59%, roughly equal to the maximum GLNK drawdown of -96.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETCG and GLNK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETCG	GLNK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.59%	-96.17%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-68.71%	-89.27%	+20.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.59%	-96.17%	+16.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.63%	-96.04%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.71%	-56.16%	-26.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	46.02%	69.58%	-23.56%

Volatility

ETCG vs. GLNK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) is 12.27%, while Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) has a volatility of 19.21%. This indicates that ETCG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLNK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETCG	GLNK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.27%	19.21%	-6.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.48%	47.47%	-10.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.07%	107.84%	-45.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	93.49%	163.97%	-70.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	115.00%	163.97%	-48.97%

ETCG vs. GLNK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ETCG and GLNK have an expense ratio of 2.50%.

Dividends

ETCG vs. GLNK - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETCG nor GLNK has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETCG and GLNK in my portfolio?

ETCG and GLNK have a correlation of 0.57, 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 GLNK?

GLNK has higher volatility (19.21%) compared to ETCG (12.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETCG dropped -96.59% vs GLNK's -96.17%.

Which ETF is better, ETCG or GLNK?

On 3-year performance, GLNK leads with -11.67% vs -16.15% for ETCG. Both ETFs have the same 2.50% expense ratio. On volatility, ETCG has been the lower-risk option at 12.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETCG or GLNK?

Over the 3-year period, GLNK has performed better with a -11.67% return vs -16.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETCG or GLNK?

ETCG and GLNK have the same expense ratio: 2.50% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between ETCG and GLNK?

ETCG tracks Ethereum Classic (ETC), while GLNK tracks Chainlink (LINK).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLNK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.57 vs -0.85), 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.