ZCSH vs. GDLC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ZCSH (Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)) and GDLC (Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds from Grayscale - ZCSH tracks the Zcash (ZEC) while GDLC tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZCSH returned 147.29%/yr vs 44.88%/yr for GDLC. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ZCSH charges 2.50%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GDLC.

Performance

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZCSH achieves a 22.17% return, which is significantly higher than GDLC's -29.80% return.

ZCSH

• 1D: -3.72%
• 1M: 21.32%
• 6M: 34.21%
• YTD: 22.17%
• 1Y: 872.41%
• 3Y*: 147.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDLC

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -1.43%
• 6M: -35.82%
• YTD: -29.80%
• 1Y: -45.96%
• 3Y*: 44.88%
• 5Y*: 3.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ZCSH Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC)	22.17%	446.78%	96.92%	65.91%	-86.30%	-48.60%
GDLC Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF	-29.80%	0.45%	136.98%	353.26%	-84.21%	-21.34%

Correlation

The correlation between ZCSH and GDLC is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 2021	0.43

The correlation between ZCSH and GDLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.43 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ZCSH vs. GDLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZCSH

ZCSH Risk / Return Rank: 95
ZCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ZCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 90
ZCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 95

GDLC

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

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.

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) and Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC). 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.

	ZCSH	GDLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.04	-0.94	+5.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.77	-1.38	+5.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	0.85	+0.60
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	12.66	-0.81	+13.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.13	-1.27	+24.40

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZCSH Sharpe Ratio is 5.04, which is higher than the GDLC Sharpe Ratio of -0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZCSH and GDLC, 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

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZCSH drawdown since its inception was -93.73%, roughly equal to the maximum GDLC drawdown of -94.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZCSH and GDLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZCSH	GDLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-93.73%	-94.14%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-69.62%	-57.18%	-12.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-71.90%	-57.18%	-14.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-94.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.13%	-54.84%	+27.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-73.53%	-52.81%	-20.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	38.03%	36.10%	+1.93%

Volatility

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (ZCSH) has a higher volatility of 32.97% compared to Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC) at 11.05%. This indicates that ZCSH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZCSH	GDLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	32.97%	11.05%	+21.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	107.08%	36.79%	+70.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	174.80%	49.16%	+125.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	137.97%	73.14%	+64.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	137.97%	93.80%	+44.17%

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZCSH has a 2.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GDLC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZCSH vs. GDLC - Dividend Comparison

Neither ZCSH nor GDLC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZCSH and GDLC in my portfolio?

ZCSH and GDLC have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZCSH or GDLC?

ZCSH has higher volatility (32.97%) compared to GDLC (11.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZCSH dropped -93.73% vs GDLC's -94.14%.

Which ETF is better, ZCSH or GDLC?

On 3-year performance, ZCSH leads with 147.29% vs 44.88% for GDLC. On fees, GDLC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GDLC has been the lower-risk option at 11.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZCSH or GDLC?

Over the 3-year period, ZCSH has performed better with a 147.29% return vs 44.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZCSH or GDLC?

GDLC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 2.50% for ZCSH.

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

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

What is the main difference between ZCSH and GDLC?

ZCSH tracks Zcash (ZEC), while GDLC tracks CoinDesk 5 Index. Their fees differ too: 2.50% for ZCSH and 0.59% for GDLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZCSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.04 vs -0.94), 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.