GDLC vs. ARKD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) and ARKD (ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. GDLC is passively managed, while ARKD is actively managed. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GDLC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for ARKD.

Performance

GDLC vs. ARKD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GDLC

• 1D: -3.16%
• 1M: -17.46%
• YTD: -32.51%
• 6M: -32.63%
• 1Y: -38.54%
• 3Y*: 49.72%
• 5Y*: 4.86%
• 10Y*: —

ARKD

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDLC vs. ARKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-32.51%
ARKD ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF	-2.07%

Correlation

The correlation between GDLC and ARKD is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.63

Return for Risk

GDLC vs. ARKD — 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: 3

ARKD

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

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. ARKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and ARK 21Shares Digital Asset and Blockchain Strategy ETF (ARKD). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GDLC	ARKD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.79	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.03	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.16	—	—

Drawdowns

GDLC vs. ARKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDLC drawdown since its inception was -94.14%, which is greater than ARKD's maximum drawdown of -14.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDLC and ARKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDLC	ARKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.14%	-14.03%	-80.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-94.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-56.58%	-5.29%	-51.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.78%	-6.03%	-46.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.36%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GDLC	ARKD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.86%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.82%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.09%	20.51%	+28.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	73.78%	20.51%	+53.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	94.18%	20.51%	+73.67%

GDLC vs. ARKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GDLC vs. ARKD - Dividend Comparison

Neither GDLC nor ARKD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDLC and ARKD in my portfolio?

GDLC and ARKD have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GDLC or ARKD?

On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDLC or ARKD?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between GDLC and ARKD?

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