ETHW vs. ETH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ETHW (Bitwise Ethereum ETF) and ETH (Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ETHW returned -31.71% vs -30.84% for ETH. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ETHW charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for ETH.

Performance

ETHW vs. ETH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH). 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 ETHW having a -39.45% return and ETH slightly higher at -38.95%.

ETHW

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

ETH

• 1D: -5.52%
• 1M: -23.42%
• YTD: -38.95%
• 6M: -42.17%
• 1Y: -30.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETHW vs. ETH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHW Bitwise Ethereum ETF	-39.45%	-11.26%	-3.54%
ETH Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF	-38.95%	-10.89%	-3.70%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHW and ETH is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2024	1.00

The correlation between ETHW and ETH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETHW vs. ETH — 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

ETH

ETH Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ETH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETH 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.

ETHW vs. ETH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH). 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	ETH	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.47	-0.45	-0.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.32	-0.29	-0.03
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	0.97	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.51	-0.50	-0.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.84	-0.82	-0.02
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. ETH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHW Sharpe Ratio is -0.47, which is comparable to the ETH Sharpe Ratio of -0.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHW and ETH, 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	ETH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.47	-0.45	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.41	-0.41	-0.01

Drawdowns

ETHW vs. ETH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHW drawdown since its inception was -64.04%, roughly equal to the maximum ETH drawdown of -64.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHW and ETH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHW	ETH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.04%	-64.01%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-62.87%	-62.40%	-0.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.87%	-62.40%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.65%	-32.58%	-0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	37.74%	37.50%	+0.24%

Volatility

ETHW vs. ETH - Volatility Comparison

Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) have volatilities of 10.08% and 9.90%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHW	ETH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.08%	9.90%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.02%	46.02%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.33%	68.34%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.13%	72.26%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.13%	72.26%	-0.13%

ETHW vs. ETH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHW has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than ETH's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ETHW vs. ETH - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETHW nor ETH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHW and ETH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, ETHW and ETH 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, ETHW or ETH?

ETHW has higher volatility (10.08%) compared to ETH (9.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHW dropped -64.04% vs ETH's -64.01%.

Which ETF is better, ETHW or ETH?

On 1-year performance, ETH leads with -30.84% vs -31.71% for ETHW. On fees, ETH is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, ETH has been the lower-risk option at 9.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHW or ETH?

Over the 1-year period, ETH has performed better with a -30.84% return vs -31.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHW or ETH?

ETH is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for ETHW.

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

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

What is the main difference between ETHW and ETH?

They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ETHW and 0.15% for ETH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.45 vs -0.47), 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.