GAVA vs. GDLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GAVA (Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale. GAVA is actively managed, while GDLC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GAVA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

GAVA vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

GAVA

• 1D: -3.57%
• 1M: -12.65%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -18.37%
• YTD: -28.93%
• 6M: -33.67%
• 1Y: -33.81%
• 3Y*: 64.48%
• 5Y*: 2.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

GAVA vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GAVA Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF	-15.96%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-8.73%

Correlation

The correlation between GAVA and GDLC is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

GAVA vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDLC

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

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.

GAVA vs. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF (GAVA) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GAVA	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.09	0.29	-1.39

Drawdowns

GAVA vs. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAVA drawdown since its inception was -21.51%, smaller than the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAVA and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAVA	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.51%	-94.14%	+72.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-52.91%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-52.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-94.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.51%	-54.28%	+32.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.03%	-52.73%	+43.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	31.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GAVA	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.78%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	36.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.61%	48.54%	+1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.61%	74.43%	-24.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.61%	93.91%	-44.30%

GAVA vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAVA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAVA vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

Neither GAVA nor GDLC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAVA and GDLC in my portfolio?

GAVA and GDLC have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GAVA or GDLC?

On fees, GAVA is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAVA or GDLC?

GAVA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for GDLC.

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

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

What is the main difference between GAVA and GDLC?

Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GAVA and 0.59% for GDLC.