GDLC vs. AETH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) and AETH (Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. GDLC is passively managed, while AETH is actively managed. Over the past year, GDLC returned -33.81% vs -16.05% for AETH. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GDLC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for AETH.

Performance

GDLC vs. AETH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDLC achieves a -28.93% return, which is significantly lower than AETH's -9.79% return.

GDLC

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

AETH

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -4.98%
• YTD: -9.79%
• 6M: -15.30%
• 1Y: -16.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDLC vs. AETH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-28.93%	0.45%	136.98%	96.16%
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	-9.79%	-0.11%	31.76%	37.65%

Correlation

The correlation between GDLC and AETH is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2023	0.63

The correlation between GDLC and AETH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDLC vs. AETH — 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

AETH

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

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.

GDLC vs. AETH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH). 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.

	GDLC	AETH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	-0.36	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.84	-0.26	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	0.96	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	-0.37	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.09	-0.52	-0.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GDLC vs. AETH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDLC Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the AETH Sharpe Ratio of -0.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDLC and AETH, 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

	GDLC	AETH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.70	-0.36	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.37	-0.08

Drawdowns

GDLC vs. AETH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDLC drawdown since its inception was -94.14%, which is greater than AETH's maximum drawdown of -47.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDLC and AETH.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDLC	AETH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.14%	-47.78%	-46.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.91%	-43.98%	-8.93%
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	-54.28%	-43.85%	-10.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.73%	-24.65%	-28.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.04%	30.86%	+0.18%

Volatility

GDLC vs. AETH - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) has a higher volatility of 9.78% compared to Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) at 4.02%. This indicates that GDLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AETH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDLC	AETH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.78%	4.02%	+5.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.66%	27.18%	+9.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.54%	45.03%	+3.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	74.43%	54.68%	+19.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	93.91%	54.68%	+39.23%

GDLC vs. AETH - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDLC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than AETH's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDLC vs. AETH - Dividend Comparison

GDLC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AETH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	2.67%	2.41%	14.73%	6.64%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDLC and AETH in my portfolio?

GDLC and AETH have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDLC or AETH?

GDLC has higher volatility (9.78%) compared to AETH (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDLC dropped -94.14% vs AETH's -47.78%.

Which ETF is better, GDLC or AETH?

On 1-year performance, AETH leads with -16.05% vs -33.81% for GDLC. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, AETH has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDLC or AETH?

Over the 1-year period, AETH has performed better with a -16.05% return vs -33.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDLC or AETH?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AETH.

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

AETH has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.00% for GDLC.

What is the main difference between GDLC and AETH?

They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Bitwise. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GDLC and 0.90% for AETH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AETH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.36 vs -0.70), 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.