BITX vs. ZVOL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BITX (2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF) and ZVOL (Volatility Premium Plus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BITX is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Daily Roll Index (200%), while ZVOL is a Volatility fund tracking the S&P 500 VIX Mid Term Futures Inverse Daily Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BITX returned -73.21% vs 8.27% for ZVOL. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BITX charges 2.38%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for ZVOL.

Performance

BITX vs. ZVOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BITX achieves a -52.31% return, which is significantly lower than ZVOL's -2.29% return.

BITX

• 1D: -5.39%
• 1M: -34.65%
• YTD: -52.31%
• 6M: -58.66%
• 1Y: -73.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZVOL

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 2.30%
• YTD: -2.29%
• 6M: 2.14%
• 1Y: 8.27%
• 3Y*: 9.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BITX vs. ZVOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BITX 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF	-52.31%	-38.71%	163.41%	47.23%
ZVOL Volatility Premium Plus ETF	-2.29%	-10.71%	9.27%	23.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BITX and ZVOL is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2023	0.27

Return for Risk

BITX vs. ZVOL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BITX

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

ZVOL

ZVOL Risk / Return Rank: 16
ZVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
ZVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

BITX vs. ZVOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL). 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.

	BITX	ZVOL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.85	0.44	-1.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.45	0.79	-2.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.09	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.93	0.50	-1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.46	1.62	-3.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BITX vs. ZVOL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BITX Sharpe Ratio is -0.85, which is lower than the ZVOL Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BITX and ZVOL, 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

	BITX	ZVOL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.85	0.44	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	0.43	-0.39

Drawdowns

BITX vs. ZVOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BITX drawdown since its inception was -78.92%, which is greater than ZVOL's maximum drawdown of -37.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BITX and ZVOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BITX	ZVOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.92%	-37.25%	-41.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-78.92%	-16.46%	-62.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-37.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-78.92%	-22.17%	-56.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.70%	-13.43%	-18.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	50.03%	5.12%	+44.91%

Volatility

BITX vs. ZVOL - Volatility Comparison

2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) has a higher volatility of 19.24% compared to Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) at 3.59%. This indicates that BITX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZVOL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BITX	ZVOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.24%	3.59%	+15.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	69.07%	13.27%	+55.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	86.83%	18.74%	+68.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.27%	29.27%	+69.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.27%	29.27%	+69.00%

BITX vs. ZVOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BITX has a 2.38% expense ratio, which is higher than ZVOL's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BITX vs. ZVOL - Dividend Comparison

BITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 33.24%, less than ZVOL's 71.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BITX 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF	33.24%	21.69%	10.70%	0.00%
ZVOL Volatility Premium Plus ETF	71.14%	53.44%	30.68%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BITX and ZVOL in my portfolio?

BITX and ZVOL have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BITX or ZVOL?

BITX has higher volatility (19.24%) compared to ZVOL (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BITX dropped -78.92% vs ZVOL's -37.25%.

Which ETF is better, BITX or ZVOL?

On 1-year performance, ZVOL leads with 8.27% vs -73.21% for BITX. On fees, ZVOL is cheaper at 1.35% per year. On volatility, ZVOL has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BITX or ZVOL?

Over the 1-year period, ZVOL has performed better with a 8.27% return vs -73.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BITX or ZVOL?

ZVOL is cheaper with a 1.35% expense ratio, compared with 2.38% for BITX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BITX or ZVOL?

ZVOL has the higher dividend yield at 71.14%, compared with 33.24% for BITX.

What is the main difference between BITX and ZVOL?

BITX is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ZVOL is Volatility. BITX tracks S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Daily Roll Index (200%), while ZVOL tracks S&P 500 VIX Mid Term Futures Inverse Daily Index. Their fees differ too: 2.38% for BITX and 1.35% for ZVOL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZVOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs -0.85), 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.