GLNK vs. IBLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLNK (Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF) and IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - GLNK tracks the Chainlink (LINK) while IBLC tracks the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GLNK returned -10.96%/yr vs 48.31%/yr for IBLC. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLNK charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBLC.

Performance

GLNK vs. IBLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). 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 lower than IBLC's 32.34% return.

GLNK

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

IBLC

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 13.52%
• YTD: 32.34%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 73.27%
• 3Y*: 48.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLNK vs. IBLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GLNK Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF	-33.27%	-87.10%	38.45%	840.06%	-17.85%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	32.34%	27.05%	18.58%	201.47%	-43.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GLNK and IBLC is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 20, 2022	0.28

Over the past year, GLNK and IBLC have become more correlated (0.48) than their long-term average of 0.28, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

GLNK vs. IBLC — 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

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 33
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. IBLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC). 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	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.55	1.34	-1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.42	1.92	-2.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.23	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.68	1.64	-2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.89	3.26	-4.15
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. IBLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLNK Sharpe Ratio is -0.55, which is lower than the IBLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLNK and IBLC, 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	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.55	1.34	-1.89
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	0.40	-0.41

Drawdowns

GLNK vs. IBLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLNK drawdown since its inception was -95.82%, which is greater than IBLC's maximum drawdown of -62.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLNK and IBLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLNK	IBLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.82%	-62.54%	-33.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-88.29%	-44.94%	-43.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-95.82%	-51.68%	-44.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.71%	-12.99%	-82.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-55.70%	-25.89%	-29.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	66.68%	22.56%	+44.12%

Volatility

GLNK vs. IBLC - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) has a higher volatility of 15.43% compared to iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) at 14.67%. This indicates that GLNK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLNK	IBLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.43%	14.67%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.79%	40.76%	+6.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	109.57%	54.94%	+54.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	164.87%	64.49%	+100.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	164.87%	64.49%	+100.38%

GLNK vs. IBLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLNK has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IBLC's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLNK vs. IBLC - Dividend Comparison

GLNK has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.77%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GLNK Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.77%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLNK and IBLC in my portfolio?

GLNK and IBLC have a correlation of 0.48, 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 IBLC?

GLNK has higher volatility (15.43%) compared to IBLC (14.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLNK dropped -95.82% vs IBLC's -62.54%.

Which ETF is better, GLNK or IBLC?

On 3-year performance, IBLC leads with 48.31% vs -10.96% for GLNK. On fees, IBLC is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IBLC has been the lower-risk option at 14.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLNK or IBLC?

Over the 3-year period, IBLC has performed better with a 48.31% return vs -10.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLNK or IBLC?

IBLC is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for GLNK.

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

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 4.77%, compared with 0.00% for GLNK.

What is the main difference between GLNK and IBLC?

GLNK tracks Chainlink (LINK), while IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and iShares. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for GLNK and 0.47% for IBLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 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.