BUZZ vs. HODL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BUZZ (VanEck Social Sentiment ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - BUZZ is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the BUZZ NextGen AI US Sentiment Leaders Index, while HODL is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BUZZ returned 6.25% vs -46.21% for HODL. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUZZ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

BUZZ vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (BUZZ) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUZZ achieves a 4.68% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -26.57% return.

BUZZ

• 1D: -3.71%
• 1M: -9.06%
• 6M: -1.76%
• YTD: 4.68%
• 1Y: 6.25%
• 3Y*: 25.24%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: —

HODL

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -2.16%
• 6M: -32.59%
• YTD: -26.57%
• 1Y: -46.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUZZ vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUZZ VanEck Social Sentiment ETF	4.68%	30.61%	37.88%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-26.57%	-6.42%	91.50%

Correlation

The correlation between BUZZ and HODL is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.57

The correlation between BUZZ and HODL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUZZ vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUZZ

BUZZ Risk / Return Rank: 12
BUZZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
BUZZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
BUZZ Omega Ratio Rank: 13
BUZZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
BUZZ Martin Ratio Rank: 12

HODL

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

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.

BUZZ vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (BUZZ) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL). 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.

	BUZZ	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	-1.05	+1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	-1.59	+2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	0.82	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.21	-0.87	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.48	-1.40	+1.88

BUZZ vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUZZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -1.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUZZ and HODL, 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

BUZZ vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUZZ drawdown since its inception was -56.87%, which is greater than HODL's maximum drawdown of -53.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUZZ and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUZZ	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.87%	-53.20%	-3.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.47%	-53.20%	+22.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-56.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.64%	-48.83%	+32.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.70%	-17.64%	-6.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.07%	33.04%	-19.97%

Volatility

BUZZ vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (BUZZ) is 8.25%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 10.76%. This indicates that BUZZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HODL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUZZ	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.25%	10.76%	-2.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.28%	34.75%	-9.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.35%	44.22%	-10.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.39%	49.59%	-16.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.86%	49.59%	-16.73%

BUZZ vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUZZ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUZZ vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUZZ nor HODL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUZZ VanEck Social Sentiment ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.50%	0.52%	0.40%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUZZ and HODL in my portfolio?

BUZZ and HODL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUZZ or HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (10.76%) compared to BUZZ (8.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUZZ dropped -56.87% vs HODL's -53.20%.

Which ETF is better, BUZZ or HODL?

On 1-year performance, BUZZ leads with 6.25% vs -46.21% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, BUZZ has been the lower-risk option at 8.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUZZ or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, BUZZ has performed better with a 6.25% return vs -46.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUZZ or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BUZZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUZZ or HODL?

BUZZ and HODL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUZZ and HODL?

BUZZ is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. BUZZ tracks BUZZ NextGen AI US Sentiment Leaders Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BUZZ and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUZZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.19 vs -1.05), 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.