GAVA vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GAVA (Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale. GAVA is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GAVA charges 0.35%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

GAVA vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

GAVA

• 1D: -3.30%
• 1M: -17.27%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: -15.46%
• 1M: 12.42%
• YTD: 19.47%
• 6M: 43.36%
• 1Y: 855.73%
• 3Y*: 171.44%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GAVA vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GAVA Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF	-18.74%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	151.07%

Correlation

The correlation between GAVA and ZCSH is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2026	0.39

Return for Risk

GAVA vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 91
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Avalanche Staking ETF (GAVA) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). 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	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.21	0.07	-1.28

Drawdowns

GAVA vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAVA drawdown since its inception was -24.10%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAVA and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAVA	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.10%	-93.73%	+69.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-69.62%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-71.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.10%	-28.74%	+4.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.29%	-74.37%	+65.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	35.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GAVA	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	50.94%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	95.34%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.58%	166.88%	-117.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.58%	137.01%	-87.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.58%	137.01%	-87.43%

GAVA vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAVA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAVA vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

Neither GAVA nor ZCSH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAVA and ZCSH in my portfolio?

GAVA and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.39, 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 ZCSH?

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 ZCSH?

GAVA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

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

What is the main difference between GAVA and ZCSH?

Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GAVA and 2.50% for ZCSH.