OBTC vs. ZCSH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

OBTC (Osprey Bitcoin Trust) and ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) are both Cryptocurrency funds - OBTC tracks the Bitcoin (BTC) while ZCSH tracks the Zcash (ZEC). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, OBTC returned 53.99%/yr vs 185.96%/yr for ZCSH. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. OBTC charges 0.49%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for ZCSH.

Performance

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Osprey Bitcoin Trust (OBTC) 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, OBTC achieves a -25.45% return, which is significantly lower than ZCSH's 41.32% return.

OBTC

• 1D: -2.72%
• 1M: -18.30%
• YTD: -25.45%
• 6M: -25.31%
• 1Y: -28.83%
• 3Y*: 53.99%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 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)

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
OBTC Osprey Bitcoin Trust	-25.45%	-1.87%	130.89%	277.81%	-73.93%	-21.71%
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	41.32%	446.78%	96.92%	65.91%	-86.30%	-48.60%

Correlation

The correlation between OBTC and ZCSH is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2021	0.38

Return for Risk

OBTC vs. ZCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

OBTC

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

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.

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Osprey Bitcoin Trust (OBTC) 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.

	OBTC	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.65	6.10	-6.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.76	4.11	-4.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.48	-0.57
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	14.55	-15.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.15	28.49	-29.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OBTC Sharpe Ratio is -0.65, which is lower than the ZCSH Sharpe Ratio of 6.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OBTC 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

	OBTC	ZCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.65	6.10	-6.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.21	0.10	-0.31

Drawdowns

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OBTC drawdown since its inception was -94.50%, roughly equal to the maximum ZCSH drawdown of -93.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OBTC and ZCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	OBTC	ZCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.50%	-93.73%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-45.41%	-69.62%	+24.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.41%	-71.90%	+26.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-83.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.77%	-15.71%	-47.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.63%	-74.41%	+4.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	25.06%	35.49%	-10.43%

Volatility

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Osprey Bitcoin Trust (OBTC) is 9.55%, while Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a volatility of 48.45%. This indicates that OBTC 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

	OBTC	ZCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.55%	48.45%	-38.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.48%	94.06%	-59.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.27%	166.02%	-121.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	58.11%	136.87%	-78.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.56%	136.87%	-65.31%

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

OBTC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than ZCSH's 2.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

OBTC vs. ZCSH - Dividend Comparison

Neither OBTC nor ZCSH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OBTC and ZCSH in my portfolio?

OBTC and ZCSH have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, OBTC or ZCSH?

ZCSH has higher volatility (48.45%) compared to OBTC (9.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OBTC dropped -94.50% vs ZCSH's -93.73%.

Which ETF is better, OBTC or ZCSH?

On 3-year performance, ZCSH leads with 185.96% vs 53.99% for OBTC. On fees, OBTC is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, OBTC has been the lower-risk option at 9.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OBTC or ZCSH?

Over the 3-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 185.96% return vs 53.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OBTC or ZCSH?

OBTC is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

OBTC and ZCSH have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between OBTC and ZCSH?

OBTC tracks Bitcoin (BTC), while ZCSH tracks Zcash (ZEC). They also come from different issuers: Osprey Funds and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for OBTC and 2.50% for ZCSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.10 vs -0.65), 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.