LTCN vs. ETHE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LTCN (Grayscale Litecoin Trust) and ETHE (Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale - LTCN tracks the CoinDesk Litecoin Price Index while ETHE tracks the CoinDesk Ether Price Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LTCN returned -51.78%/yr vs -5.46%/yr for ETHE. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 2.50% expense ratio.

Performance

LTCN vs. ETHE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with LTCN having a -43.24% return and ETHE slightly higher at -41.95%.

LTCN

• 1D: 2.55%
• 1M: -15.93%
• YTD: -43.24%
• 6M: -44.98%
• 1Y: -48.24%
• 3Y*: -8.68%
• 5Y*: -51.78%
• 10Y*: —

ETHE

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -16.15%
• YTD: -41.95%
• 6M: -42.04%
• 1Y: -29.27%
• 3Y*: 13.02%
• 5Y*: -5.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

LTCN vs. ETHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
LTCN Grayscale Litecoin Trust	-43.24%	-54.37%	-18.79%	650.00%	-77.17%	-96.84%	731.43%
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	-41.95%	-13.03%	44.14%	308.40%	-85.29%	108.77%	66.27%

Correlation

The correlation between LTCN and ETHE is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 18, 2020	0.56

The correlation between LTCN and ETHE shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (all time) to 0.75 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LTCN vs. ETHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

LTCN

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

ETHE

ETHE Risk / Return Rank: 6
ETHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ETHE Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHE 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.

LTCN vs. ETHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTCN) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE). 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.

	LTCN	ETHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.69	-0.43	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.86	-0.23	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	0.97	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.67	-0.43	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.06	-0.72	-0.33

LTCN vs. ETHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LTCN Sharpe Ratio is -0.69, which is lower than the ETHE Sharpe Ratio of -0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LTCN and ETHE, 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

LTCN vs. ETHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LTCN drawdown since its inception was -99.58%, roughly equal to the maximum ETHE drawdown of -96.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LTCN and ETHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	LTCN	ETHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.58%	-96.26%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-71.90%	-67.77%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-93.43%	-67.77%	-25.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-98.00%	-89.85%	-8.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.34%	-78.05%	-21.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-89.65%	-72.23%	-17.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	45.58%	40.44%	+5.14%

Volatility

LTCN vs. ETHE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTCN) is 15.14%, while Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) has a volatility of 19.34%. This indicates that LTCN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ETHE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LTCN	ETHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.14%	19.34%	-4.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.11%	46.70%	-5.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	70.01%	68.97%	+1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	105.37%	82.28%	+23.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	141.61%	191.24%	-49.63%

LTCN vs. ETHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both LTCN and ETHE have an expense ratio of 2.50%.

Dividends

LTCN vs. ETHE - Dividend Comparison

LTCN has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ETHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%.

Position	TTM
ETHE Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF	1.40%
LTCN Grayscale Litecoin Trust	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LTCN and ETHE in my portfolio?

LTCN and ETHE have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LTCN or ETHE?

ETHE has higher volatility (19.34%) compared to LTCN (15.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LTCN dropped -99.58% vs ETHE's -96.26%.

Which ETF is better, LTCN or ETHE?

On 5-year performance, ETHE leads with -5.46% vs -51.78% for LTCN. Both ETFs have the same 2.50% expense ratio. On volatility, LTCN has been the lower-risk option at 15.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LTCN or ETHE?

Over the 5-year period, ETHE has performed better with a -5.46% return vs -51.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LTCN or ETHE?

LTCN and ETHE have the same expense ratio: 2.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LTCN or ETHE?

ETHE has the higher dividend yield at 1.40%, compared with 0.00% for LTCN.

What is the main difference between LTCN and ETHE?

LTCN tracks CoinDesk Litecoin Price Index, while ETHE tracks CoinDesk Ether Price Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.43 vs -0.69), 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.