ETHW vs. ETHU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ETHW (Bitwise Ethereum ETF) and ETHU (Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ETHW is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Bitwise, while ETHU is a Leveraged Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Volatility Shares. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ETHW returned -44.79% vs -83.75% for ETHU. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ETHW charges 0.20%/yr vs 2.67%/yr for ETHU.

Performance

ETHW vs. ETHU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF (ETHU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETHW achieves a -36.95% return, which is significantly higher than ETHU's -70.73% return.

ETHW

• 1D: -2.54%
• 1M: 4.52%
• 6M: -43.01%
• YTD: -36.95%
• 1Y: -44.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETHU

• 1D: -4.90%
• 1M: 6.30%
• 6M: -75.69%
• YTD: -70.73%
• 1Y: -83.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETHW vs. ETHU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHW Bitwise Ethereum ETF	-36.95%	-11.26%	-4.77%
ETHU Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF	-70.73%	-64.38%	-36.51%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHW and ETHU 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 23, 2024	1.00

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

Return for Risk

ETHW vs. ETHU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHW

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

ETHU

ETHU Risk / Return Rank: 3
ETHU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ETHU Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ETHU Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ETHU Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
ETHU 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.

ETHW vs. ETHU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) and Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF (ETHU). 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.

	ETHW	ETHU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.67	-0.62	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.77	-0.91	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	0.90	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.66	-0.89	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.03	-1.20	+0.17

ETHW vs. ETHU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHW Sharpe Ratio is -0.67, which is comparable to the ETHU Sharpe Ratio of -0.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHW and ETHU, 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

ETHW vs. ETHU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHW drawdown since its inception was -67.89%, smaller than the maximum ETHU drawdown of -96.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHW and ETHU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHW	ETHU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.89%	-96.46%	+28.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.89%	-93.99%	+26.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-61.34%	-94.93%	+33.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.63%	-70.71%	+36.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	43.56%	69.54%	-25.98%

Volatility

ETHW vs. ETHU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) is 14.58%, while Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF (ETHU) has a volatility of 29.02%. This indicates that ETHW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ETHU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHW	ETHU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.58%	29.02%	-14.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.46%	96.55%	-49.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.41%	137.64%	-69.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	71.71%	142.25%	-70.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.71%	142.25%	-70.54%

ETHW vs. ETHU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHW has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ETHU's 2.67% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETHW vs. ETHU - Dividend Comparison

ETHW has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ETHU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.83%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ETHU Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF	4.83%	2.31%	0.41%
ETHW Bitwise Ethereum ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHW and ETHU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, ETHW and ETHU 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 ETHU?

ETHU has higher volatility (29.02%) compared to ETHW (14.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHW dropped -67.89% vs ETHU's -96.46%.

Which ETF is better, ETHW or ETHU?

On 1-year performance, ETHW leads with -44.79% vs -83.75% for ETHU. On fees, ETHW is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ETHW has been the lower-risk option at 14.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHW or ETHU?

Over the 1-year period, ETHW has performed better with a -44.79% return vs -83.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHW or ETHU?

ETHW is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 2.67% for ETHU.

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

ETHU has the higher dividend yield at 4.83%, compared with 0.00% for ETHW.

What is the main difference between ETHW and ETHU?

ETHW is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ETHU is Leveraged Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Volatility Shares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ETHW and 2.67% for ETHU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETHU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.62 vs -0.67), 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.