ETHW vs. ETHA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ETHW (Bitwise Ethereum ETF) and ETHA (iShares Ethereum Trust ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. ETHW is actively managed, while ETHA is passively managed. Over the past year, ETHW returned -24.72% vs -25.03% for ETHA. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ETHW charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ETHA.

Performance

ETHW vs. ETHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ETHW having a -35.73% return and ETHA slightly lower at -35.89%.

ETHW

• 1D: -4.54%
• 1M: -17.20%
• YTD: -35.73%
• 6M: -35.91%
• 1Y: -24.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETHA

• 1D: -4.83%
• 1M: -17.45%
• YTD: -35.89%
• 6M: -36.12%
• 1Y: -25.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETHW vs. ETHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHW Bitwise Ethereum ETF	-35.73%	-11.26%	-3.54%
ETHA iShares Ethereum Trust ETF	-35.89%	-11.31%	-3.62%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHW and ETHA is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2024	1.00

The correlation between ETHW and ETHA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ETHW vs. ETHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHW

ETHW Risk / Return Rank: 6
ETHW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHW Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
ETHW Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ETHW Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHW Martin Ratio Rank: 5

ETHA

ETHA Risk / Return Rank: 6
ETHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ETHA Omega Ratio Rank: 7
ETHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

ETHW vs. ETHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). 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.

	ETHW	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.36	-0.37	0.00
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.11	-0.12	0.00
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	0.99	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.42	-0.43	0.00
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.69	-0.70	+0.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ETHW vs. ETHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHW Sharpe Ratio is -0.36, which is comparable to the ETHA Sharpe Ratio of -0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHW and ETHA, 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

	ETHW	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.36	-0.37	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.38	-0.38	0.00

Drawdowns

ETHW vs. ETHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHW drawdown since its inception was -64.04%, roughly equal to the maximum ETHA drawdown of -64.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHW and ETHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHW	ETHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.04%	-64.02%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-61.69%	-61.66%	-0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-60.59%	-60.70%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.59%	-32.58%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	37.53%	37.52%	+0.01%

Volatility

ETHW vs. ETHA - Volatility Comparison

Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) have volatilities of 9.38% and 9.52%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHW	ETHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.38%	9.52%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.62%	46.94%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.11%	68.40%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.08%	72.49%	-0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.08%	72.49%	-0.41%

ETHW vs. ETHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHW has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ETHA's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ETHW vs. ETHA - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETHW nor ETHA has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHW and ETHA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, ETHW and ETHA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ETHW or ETHA?

ETHA has higher volatility (9.52%) compared to ETHW (9.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHW dropped -64.04% vs ETHA's -64.02%.

Which ETF is better, ETHW or ETHA?

On 1-year performance, ETHW leads with -24.72% vs -25.03% for ETHA. On fees, ETHW is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ETHW has been the lower-risk option at 9.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHW or ETHA?

Over the 1-year period, ETHW has performed better with a -24.72% return vs -25.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHW or ETHA?

ETHW is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for ETHA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ETHW or ETHA?

ETHW and ETHA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ETHW and ETHA?

They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ETHW and 0.25% for ETHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.36 vs -0.37), 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.