ETHW vs. ETCG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ETHW (Bitwise Ethereum ETF) and ETCG (Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. ETHW is actively managed, while ETCG is passively managed. Over the past year, ETHW returned -31.71% vs -51.42% for ETCG. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ETHW charges 0.20%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ETCG.

Performance

ETHW vs. ETCG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETHW achieves a -39.45% return, which is significantly lower than ETCG's -35.40% return.

ETHW

• 1D: -5.78%
• 1M: -23.65%
• YTD: -39.45%
• 6M: -42.65%
• 1Y: -31.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETCG

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -6.17%
• YTD: -35.40%
• 6M: -44.65%
• 1Y: -51.42%
• 3Y*: -10.63%
• 5Y*: -35.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

ETHW vs. ETCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHW Bitwise Ethereum ETF	-39.45%	-11.26%	-3.54%
ETCG Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC)	-35.40%	-39.78%	-5.11%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHW and ETCG 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	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2024	0.69

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

Return for Risk

ETHW vs. ETCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHW

ETHW Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHW Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHW Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHW Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHW Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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: 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.

ETHW vs. ETCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG). 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.

	ETHW	ETCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.47	-0.83	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.32	-1.32	+1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	0.86	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.51	-0.78	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.84	-1.19	+0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ETHW vs. ETCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHW Sharpe Ratio is -0.47, which is higher than the ETCG Sharpe Ratio of -0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHW and ETCG, 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

	ETHW	ETCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.47	-0.83	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.41	-0.18	-0.23

Drawdowns

ETHW vs. ETCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHW drawdown since its inception was -64.04%, smaller than the maximum ETCG drawdown of -96.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHW and ETCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHW	ETCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.04%	-96.59%	+32.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-62.87%	-66.46%	+3.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-78.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-92.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.87%	-95.33%	+32.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.65%	-82.67%	+50.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	37.74%	43.41%	-5.67%

Volatility

ETHW vs. ETCG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) is 10.08%, while Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (ETCG) has a volatility of 11.37%. This indicates that ETHW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ETCG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHW	ETCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.08%	11.37%	-1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.02%	36.81%	+9.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.33%	62.03%	+6.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.13%	94.03%	-21.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.13%	115.33%	-43.20%

ETHW vs. ETCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHW has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ETCG's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETHW vs. ETCG - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETHW nor ETCG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHW and ETCG in my portfolio?

ETHW and ETCG 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, ETHW or ETCG?

ETCG has higher volatility (11.37%) compared to ETHW (10.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHW dropped -64.04% vs ETCG's -96.59%.

Which ETF is better, ETHW or ETCG?

On 1-year performance, ETHW leads with -31.71% vs -51.42% for ETCG. On fees, ETHW is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ETHW has been the lower-risk option at 10.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHW or ETCG?

Over the 1-year period, ETHW has performed better with a -31.71% return vs -51.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHW or ETCG?

ETHW is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ETCG.

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

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

What is the main difference between ETHW and ETCG?

They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ETHW and 2.50% for ETCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.47 vs -0.83), 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.