GRNB vs. HODL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GRNB (VanEck Green Bond ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - GRNB is a Global Bonds fund tracking the S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select 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, GRNB returned 4.99% vs -38.56% for HODL. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GRNB charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

GRNB vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) 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, GRNB achieves a 0.43% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -25.27% return.

GRNB

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 4.99%
• 3Y*: 5.07%
• 5Y*: 0.77%
• 10Y*: —

HODL

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: -18.34%
• YTD: -25.27%
• 6M: -29.73%
• 1Y: -38.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GRNB vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GRNB VanEck Green Bond ETF	0.43%	7.09%	3.72%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-25.27%	-6.42%	99.75%

Correlation

The correlation between GRNB and HODL is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2024	0.12

Return for Risk

GRNB vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRNB

GRNB Risk / Return Rank: 47
GRNB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
GRNB Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
GRNB Omega Ratio Rank: 51
GRNB Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
GRNB Martin Ratio Rank: 47

HODL

HODL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HODL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
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.

GRNB vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) 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.

	GRNB	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	-0.89	+2.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	-1.23	+3.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	0.86	+0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	-0.79	+2.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.82	-1.36	+9.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GRNB vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRNB Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRNB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GRNB	HODL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	-0.89	+2.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.30	+0.16

Drawdowns

GRNB vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRNB drawdown since its inception was -18.08%, smaller than the maximum HODL drawdown of -49.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRNB and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRNB	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.08%	-49.25%	+31.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.51%	-49.25%	+46.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-47.93%	+47.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-15.97%	+11.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.64%	28.35%	-27.71%

Volatility

GRNB vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) is 0.93%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that GRNB 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

	GRNB	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.93%	9.43%	-8.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.34%	34.37%	-32.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.96%	43.51%	-40.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.92%	49.88%	-44.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.88%	49.88%	-45.00%

GRNB vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRNB has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than HODL'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

GRNB vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

GRNB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.24%, while HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GRNB VanEck Green Bond ETF	4.24%	4.18%	3.83%	3.17%	2.60%	1.97%	2.24%	1.79%	1.21%	1.09%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRNB and HODL in my portfolio?

GRNB and HODL have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GRNB or HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to GRNB (0.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRNB dropped -18.08% vs HODL's -49.25%.

Which ETF is better, GRNB or HODL?

On 1-year performance, GRNB leads with 4.99% vs -38.56% for HODL. On fees, GRNB is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GRNB has been the lower-risk option at 0.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRNB or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, GRNB has performed better with a 4.99% return vs -38.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRNB or HODL?

GRNB is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for HODL.

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

GRNB has the higher dividend yield at 4.24%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between GRNB and HODL?

GRNB is categorized as Global Bonds, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. GRNB tracks S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GRNB and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRNB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs -0.89), 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.