GDLC vs. BTRN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) and BTRN (Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - GDLC tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index while BTRN tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Trend Indicator Futures Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GDLC returned -33.81% vs -18.31% for BTRN. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GDLC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BTRN.

Performance

GDLC vs. BTRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN). 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 BTRN's -9.29% return.

GDLC

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

BTRN

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -12.31%
• YTD: -9.29%
• 6M: -9.90%
• 1Y: -18.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDLC vs. BTRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-28.93%	0.45%	84.24%
BTRN Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF	-9.29%	4.89%	5.22%

Correlation

The correlation between GDLC and BTRN is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2024	0.72

The correlation between GDLC and BTRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDLC vs. BTRN — 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

BTRN

BTRN Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BTRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTRN Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTRN Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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. BTRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) and Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN). 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	BTRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	-0.93	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.84	-1.23	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	0.84	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	-0.73	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.09	-1.25	+0.16
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. BTRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDLC Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is comparable to the BTRN Sharpe Ratio of -0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDLC and BTRN, 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	BTRN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.70	-0.93	+0.23
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	0.00	+0.29

Drawdowns

GDLC vs. BTRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDLC drawdown since its inception was -94.14%, which is greater than BTRN's maximum drawdown of -36.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDLC and BTRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDLC	BTRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.14%	-36.97%	-57.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.91%	-25.29%	-27.62%
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%	-25.29%	-28.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.73%	-14.41%	-38.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.04%	14.68%	+16.36%

Volatility

GDLC vs. BTRN - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) has a higher volatility of 9.78% compared to Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF (BTRN) at 7.24%. This indicates that GDLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDLC	BTRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.78%	7.24%	+2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.66%	10.35%	+26.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.54%	19.91%	+28.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	74.43%	30.96%	+43.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	93.91%	30.96%	+62.95%

GDLC vs. BTRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDLC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BTRN's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDLC vs. BTRN - Dividend Comparison

GDLC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BTRN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 30.60%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BTRN Global X Bitcoin Trend Strategy ETF	30.60%	27.76%	2.56%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDLC and BTRN in my portfolio?

GDLC and BTRN have a correlation of 0.69, 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 BTRN?

GDLC has higher volatility (9.78%) compared to BTRN (7.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDLC dropped -94.14% vs BTRN's -36.97%.

Which ETF is better, GDLC or BTRN?

On 1-year performance, BTRN leads with -18.31% vs -33.81% for GDLC. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, BTRN has been the lower-risk option at 7.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDLC or BTRN?

Over the 1-year period, BTRN has performed better with a -18.31% 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 BTRN?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BTRN.

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

BTRN has the higher dividend yield at 30.60%, compared with 0.00% for GDLC.

What is the main difference between GDLC and BTRN?

GDLC tracks CoinDesk 5 Index, while BTRN tracks CoinDesk Bitcoin Trend Indicator Futures Index. They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for GDLC and 0.95% for BTRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.70 vs -0.93), 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.