ETH vs. GDLC

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ETH (Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale. ETH is actively managed, while GDLC is passively managed. Over the past year, ETH returned -40.47% vs -45.99% for GDLC. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ETH charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

ETH vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) 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, ETH achieves a -39.81% return, which is significantly lower than GDLC's -32.34% return.

ETH

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: 6.70%
• 6M: -42.37%
• YTD: -39.81%
• 1Y: -40.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: -2.77%
• 1M: -1.51%
• 6M: -35.66%
• YTD: -32.34%
• 1Y: -45.99%
• 3Y*: 42.64%
• 5Y*: 2.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

ETH vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETH Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF	-39.81%	-10.89%	-4.58%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-32.34%	0.45%	70.49%

Correlation

The correlation between ETH and GDLC is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.84

The correlation between ETH and GDLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETH vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETH

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

GDLC

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

ETH vs. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) 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.

	ETH	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.60	-0.94	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.60	-1.38	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	0.85	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.60	-0.81	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.95	-1.29	+0.34

ETH vs. GDLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.60, which is higher than the GDLC Sharpe Ratio of -0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETH 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

ETH vs. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETH drawdown since its inception was -67.52%, smaller than the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETH and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETH	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.52%	-94.14%	+26.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.52%	-57.18%	-10.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-57.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-94.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.93%	-56.48%	-6.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.33%	-52.81%	+18.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	42.77%	35.64%	+7.13%

Volatility

ETH vs. GDLC - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) has a higher volatility of 16.04% compared to Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) at 11.89%. This indicates that ETH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETH	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.04%	11.89%	+4.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.99%	36.71%	+10.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.23%	49.09%	+19.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	71.85%	73.15%	-1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.85%	93.87%	-22.02%

ETH vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETH has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETH vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETH nor GDLC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETH and GDLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ETH and GDLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ETH or GDLC?

ETH has higher volatility (16.04%) compared to GDLC (11.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETH dropped -67.52% vs GDLC's -94.14%.

Which ETF is better, ETH or GDLC?

On 1-year performance, ETH leads with -40.47% vs -45.99% for GDLC. On fees, ETH is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, GDLC has been the lower-risk option at 11.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETH or GDLC?

Over the 1-year period, ETH has performed better with a -40.47% return vs -45.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETH or GDLC?

ETH is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for GDLC.

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

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

What is the main difference between ETH and GDLC?

Their fees differ too: 0.15% for ETH and 0.59% for GDLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.60 vs -0.94), 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.