MAXI vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MAXI (Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds. MAXI is actively managed, while ZCSH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MAXI returned 11.19%/yr vs 185.96%/yr for ZCSH. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MAXI charges 0.97%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF (MAXI) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAXI achieves a -33.46% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 41.32% return.

MAXI

• 1D: -2.93%
• 1M: -20.54%
• YTD: -33.46%
• 6M: -42.63%
• 1Y: -60.98%
• 3Y*: 11.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZCSH

• 1D: -5.29%
• 1M: 47.90%
• YTD: 41.32%
• 6M: 72.54%
• 1Y: 1,002.48%
• 3Y*: 185.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MAXI Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF	-33.46%	-28.59%	92.92%	144.12%	-13.34%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	41.32%	446.78%	96.92%	65.91%	-54.43%

Correlation

The correlation between MAXI and ZCSH is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2022	0.43

Return for Risk

MAXI vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAXI

MAXI Risk / Return Rank: 1
MAXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
MAXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MAXI Omega Ratio Rank: 2
MAXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MAXI Martin Ratio Rank: 1

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 92
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF (MAXI) and Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH). 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.

	MAXI	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.93	6.10	-7.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.49	4.11	-5.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.48	-0.65
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.92	14.55	-15.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.43	28.49	-29.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAXI Sharpe Ratio is -0.93, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 6.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAXI and ZCSH, 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

	MAXI	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.93	6.10	-7.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.10	+0.21

Drawdowns

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAXI drawdown since its inception was -66.78%, smaller than the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAXI and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAXI	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.78%	-93.73%	+26.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-66.78%	-69.62%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-66.78%	-71.90%	+5.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.27%	-15.71%	-50.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.74%	-74.41%	+55.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	42.76%	35.49%	+7.27%

Volatility

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF (MAXI) is 11.92%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 48.45%. This indicates that MAXI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZCSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAXI	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.92%	48.45%	-36.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	45.84%	94.06%	-48.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	65.83%	166.02%	-100.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.81%	136.87%	-73.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.81%	136.87%	-73.06%

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAXI has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAXI vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

MAXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 66.33%, while ZCSH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
MAXI Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF	66.33%	49.00%	32.06%	29.63%	4.43%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAXI and ZCSH in my portfolio?

MAXI and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAXI or ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (48.45%) compared to MAXI (11.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAXI dropped -66.78% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, MAXI or ZCSH?

On 3-year performance, ZCSH leads with 185.96% vs 11.19% for MAXI. On fees, MAXI is cheaper at 0.97% per year. On volatility, MAXI has been the lower-risk option at 11.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAXI or ZCSH?

Over the 3-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 185.96% return vs 11.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAXI or ZCSH?

MAXI is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAXI or ZCSH?

MAXI has the higher dividend yield at 66.33%, compared with 0.00% for ZCSH.

What is the main difference between MAXI and ZCSH?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for MAXI and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.10 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.