GDLC vs. BTCI

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) and BTCI (NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. GDLC is passively managed, while BTCI is actively managed. Over the past year, GDLC returned -44.33% vs -39.20% for BTCI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GDLC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for BTCI.

Performance

GDLC vs. BTCI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDLC achieves a -27.50% return, which is significantly lower than BTCI's -22.66% return.

GDLC

• 1D: 2.15%
• 1M: 6.26%
• 6M: -29.05%
• YTD: -27.50%
• 1Y: -44.33%
• 3Y*: 48.12%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.70%

BTCI

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 3.87%
• 6M: -24.65%
• YTD: -22.66%
• 1Y: -39.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -2.02%

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

GDLC vs. BTCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-27.50%	0.45%	53.22%
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	-22.66%	-1.09%	26.12%

Correlation

The correlation between GDLC and BTCI is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.92

The correlation between GDLC and BTCI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDLC vs. BTCI — 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: 2
GDLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Omega Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
GDLC Martin Ratio Rank: 3

BTCI

BTCI Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTCI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTCI Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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. BTCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI). 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	BTCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.91	-0.98	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.30	-1.39	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.84	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.78	-0.81	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.21	-1.32	+0.10

GDLC vs. BTCI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDLC Sharpe Ratio is -0.91, which is comparable to the BTCI Sharpe Ratio of -0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDLC and BTCI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GDLC vs. BTCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDLC drawdown since its inception was -94.14%, which is greater than BTCI's maximum drawdown of -48.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDLC and BTCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDLC	BTCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.14%	-48.42%	-45.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-57.18%	-48.42%	-8.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-57.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-94.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-53.36%	-42.81%	-10.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.82%	-17.33%	-35.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.55%	29.77%	+6.78%

Volatility

GDLC vs. BTCI - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) has a higher volatility of 10.74% compared to NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) at 9.35%. This indicates that GDLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTCI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDLC	BTCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.74%	9.35%	+1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.65%	31.52%	+5.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.03%	39.92%	+9.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.89%	39.93%	+32.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	93.72%	39.93%	+53.79%

GDLC vs. BTCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDLC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BTCI's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDLC vs. BTCI - Dividend Comparison

GDLC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BTCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 41.54%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	41.54%	36.46%	6.76%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDLC and BTCI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, GDLC and BTCI 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, GDLC or BTCI?

GDLC has higher volatility (10.74%) compared to BTCI (9.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDLC dropped -94.14% vs BTCI's -48.42%.

Which ETF is better, GDLC or BTCI?

On 1-year performance, BTCI leads with -39.20% vs -44.33% for GDLC. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, BTCI has been the lower-risk option at 9.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDLC or BTCI?

Over the 1-year period, BTCI has performed better with a -39.20% return vs -44.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDLC or BTCI?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for BTCI.

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

BTCI has the higher dividend yield at 41.54%, compared with 0.00% for GDLC.

What is the main difference between GDLC and BTCI?

They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GDLC and 0.99% for BTCI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.91 vs -0.98), 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.