GLNK vs. ETHA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLNK (Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF) and ETHA (iShares Ethereum Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - GLNK tracks the Chainlink (LINK) while ETHA tracks the CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate-New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GLNK returned -59.50% vs -31.79% for ETHA. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLNK charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ETHA.

Performance

GLNK vs. ETHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLNK achieves a -33.27% return, which is significantly higher than ETHA's -39.46% return.

GLNK

• 1D: -3.84%
• 1M: -12.83%
• YTD: -33.27%
• 6M: -43.25%
• 1Y: -59.50%
• 3Y*: -10.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETHA

• 1D: -5.56%
• 1M: -23.58%
• YTD: -39.46%
• 6M: -42.75%
• 1Y: -31.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLNK vs. ETHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GLNK Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF	-33.27%	-87.10%	-6.14%
ETHA iShares Ethereum Trust ETF	-39.46%	-11.31%	-3.62%

Correlation

The correlation between GLNK and ETHA is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2024	0.54

The correlation between GLNK and ETHA shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (all time) to 0.71 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GLNK vs. ETHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLNK

GLNK Risk / Return Rank: 4
GLNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
GLNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GLNK Omega Ratio Rank: 5
GLNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
GLNK Martin Ratio Rank: 5

ETHA

ETHA Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ETHA Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

GLNK vs. ETHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). 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.

	GLNK	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.55	-0.47	-0.08
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.42	-0.31	-0.11
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	0.97	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.68	-0.51	-0.17
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.89	-0.84	-0.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GLNK vs. ETHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLNK Sharpe Ratio is -0.55, which is comparable to the ETHA Sharpe Ratio of -0.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLNK and ETHA, 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

	GLNK	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.55	-0.47	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	-0.41	+0.40

Drawdowns

GLNK vs. ETHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLNK drawdown since its inception was -95.82%, which is greater than ETHA's maximum drawdown of -64.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLNK and ETHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLNK	ETHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.82%	-64.02%	-31.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-88.29%	-62.89%	-25.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-95.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.71%	-62.89%	-32.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-55.70%	-32.65%	-23.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	66.68%	37.73%	+28.95%

Volatility

GLNK vs. ETHA - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) has a higher volatility of 15.43% compared to iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) at 10.15%. This indicates that GLNK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ETHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLNK	ETHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.43%	10.15%	+5.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.79%	46.25%	+0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	109.57%	68.61%	+40.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	164.87%	72.53%	+92.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	164.87%	72.53%	+92.34%

GLNK vs. ETHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLNK has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than ETHA's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLNK vs. ETHA - Dividend Comparison

Neither GLNK nor ETHA has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLNK and ETHA in my portfolio?

GLNK and ETHA have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLNK or ETHA?

GLNK has higher volatility (15.43%) compared to ETHA (10.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLNK dropped -95.82% vs ETHA's -64.02%.

Which ETF is better, GLNK or ETHA?

On 1-year performance, ETHA leads with -31.79% vs -59.50% for GLNK. On fees, ETHA is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, ETHA has been the lower-risk option at 10.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLNK or ETHA?

Over the 1-year period, ETHA has performed better with a -31.79% return vs -59.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLNK or ETHA?

ETHA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for GLNK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLNK or ETHA?

GLNK and ETHA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GLNK and ETHA?

GLNK tracks Chainlink (LINK), while ETHA tracks CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate-New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and iShares. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for GLNK and 0.25% for ETHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.47 vs -0.55), 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.