ETH vs. BITS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ETH (Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF) and BITS (Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. ETH is actively managed, while BITS is passively managed. Over the past year, ETH returned -44.04% vs -17.58% for BITS. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ETH charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for BITS.

Performance

ETH vs. BITS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) and Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETH achieves a -36.39% return, which is significantly lower than BITS's -11.52% return.

ETH

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: 4.63%
• 6M: -42.53%
• YTD: -36.39%
• 1Y: -44.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BITS

• 1D: -3.95%
• 1M: -14.00%
• 6M: -24.25%
• YTD: -11.52%
• 1Y: -17.58%
• 3Y*: 29.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETH vs. BITS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETH Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF	-36.39%	-10.89%	-4.58%
BITS Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF	-11.52%	14.90%	9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between ETH and BITS is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.77

The correlation between ETH and BITS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETH vs. BITS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETH

ETH Risk / Return Rank: 4
ETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ETH Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ETH Martin Ratio Rank: 4

BITS

BITS Risk / Return Rank: 7
BITS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
BITS Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
BITS Omega Ratio Rank: 7
BITS Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
BITS Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

ETH vs. BITS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) and Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS). 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.

	ETH	BITS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.65	-0.33	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.74	-0.14	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	0.98	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.65	-0.36	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.02	-0.62	-0.40

ETH vs. BITS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.65, which is lower than the BITS Sharpe Ratio of -0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETH and BITS, 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

ETH vs. BITS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETH drawdown since its inception was -67.52%, smaller than the maximum BITS drawdown of -83.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETH and BITS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETH	BITS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.52%	-83.11%	+15.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.52%	-48.38%	-19.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-48.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-60.82%	-41.75%	-19.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.48%	-42.59%	+8.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	43.28%	28.63%	+14.65%

Volatility

ETH vs. BITS - Volatility Comparison

Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (ETH) has a higher volatility of 14.56% compared to Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS) at 10.83%. This indicates that ETH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BITS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETH	BITS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.56%	10.83%	+3.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.35%	40.48%	+6.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.43%	53.29%	+15.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	71.80%	60.64%	+11.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.80%	60.64%	+11.16%

ETH vs. BITS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETH has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BITS's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETH vs. BITS - Dividend Comparison

ETH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BITS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 25.72%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BITS Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF	25.72%	22.80%	29.49%	13.69%	0.48%	1.90%
ETH Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETH and BITS in my portfolio?

ETH and BITS have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ETH or BITS?

ETH has higher volatility (14.56%) compared to BITS (10.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETH dropped -67.52% vs BITS's -83.11%.

Which ETF is better, ETH or BITS?

On 1-year performance, BITS leads with -17.58% vs -44.04% for ETH. On fees, ETH is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BITS has been the lower-risk option at 10.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETH or BITS?

Over the 1-year period, BITS has performed better with a -17.58% return vs -44.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETH or BITS?

ETH is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for BITS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ETH or BITS?

BITS has the higher dividend yield at 25.72%, compared with 0.00% for ETH.

What is the main difference between ETH and BITS?

They also come from different issuers: Grayscale and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for ETH and 0.65% for BITS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.33 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.