LTCN vs. IBLC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

LTCN (Grayscale Litecoin Trust) and IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds - LTCN tracks the CoinDesk Litecoin Price Index while IBLC tracks the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, LTCN returned -16.08%/yr vs 24.93%/yr for IBLC. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LTCN charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBLC.

Performance

LTCN vs. IBLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTCN) 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, LTCN achieves a -44.31% return, which is significantly lower than IBLC's 4.27% return.

LTCN

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -4.69%
• 6M: -42.58%
• YTD: -44.31%
• 1Y: -62.21%
• 3Y*: -16.08%
• 5Y*: -45.61%
• 10Y*: —

IBLC

• 1D: -5.37%
• 1M: -19.65%
• 6M: -8.48%
• YTD: 4.27%
• 1Y: 4.27%
• 3Y*: 24.93%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

LTCN vs. IBLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
LTCN Grayscale Litecoin Trust	-44.31%	-54.37%	-18.79%	650.00%	-59.96%
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.27%	27.05%	18.58%	201.47%	-58.93%

Correlation

The correlation between LTCN and IBLC is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2022	0.53

The correlation between LTCN and IBLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LTCN vs. IBLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

LTCN

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

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 11
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 13
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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. IBLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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	IBLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.93	0.08	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.53	0.51	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.06	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.85	0.10	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.27	0.18	-1.45

LTCN vs. IBLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LTCN Sharpe Ratio is -0.93, which is lower than the IBLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LTCN 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.

Drawdowns

LTCN vs. IBLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LTCN drawdown since its inception was -99.58%, which is greater than IBLC's maximum drawdown of -62.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LTCN and IBLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	LTCN	IBLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.58%	-62.54%	-37.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-72.99%	-44.94%	-28.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-93.68%	-51.68%	-42.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-96.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.35%	-31.45%	-67.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-89.76%	-25.75%	-64.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	49.17%	23.76%	+25.41%

Volatility

LTCN vs. IBLC - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTCN) has a higher volatility of 13.07% compared to iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) at 12.09%. This indicates that LTCN'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

	LTCN	IBLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.07%	12.09%	+0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.21%	41.56%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	67.95%	55.74%	+12.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	104.29%	64.31%	+39.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	140.88%	64.31%	+76.57%

LTCN vs. IBLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

LTCN vs. IBLC - Dividend Comparison

LTCN has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.00%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	6.00%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%
LTCN Grayscale Litecoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LTCN and IBLC in my portfolio?

LTCN and IBLC have a correlation of 0.50, 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 IBLC?

LTCN has higher volatility (13.07%) compared to IBLC (12.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LTCN dropped -99.58% vs IBLC's -62.54%.

Which ETF is better, LTCN or IBLC?

On 3-year performance, IBLC leads with 24.93% vs -16.08% for LTCN. On fees, IBLC is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IBLC has been the lower-risk option at 12.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LTCN or IBLC?

Over the 3-year period, IBLC has performed better with a 24.93% return vs -16.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LTCN or IBLC?

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

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

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 6.00%, compared with 0.00% for LTCN.

What is the main difference between LTCN and IBLC?

LTCN tracks CoinDesk Litecoin Price Index, 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 LTCN and 0.47% for IBLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.08 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.