HODL vs. BTF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) and BTF (Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF) are both Cryptocurrency funds. HODL is passively managed, while BTF is actively managed. Over the past year, HODL returned -38.56% vs -36.83% for BTF. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HODL charges 0.25%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for BTF.

Performance

HODL vs. BTF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HODL achieves a -25.27% return, which is significantly higher than BTF's -33.48% return.

HODL

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

BTF

• 1D: -4.19%
• 1M: -21.21%
• YTD: -33.48%
• 6M: -37.41%
• 1Y: -36.83%
• 3Y*: 13.08%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HODL vs. BTF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-25.27%	-6.42%	99.75%
BTF Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF	-33.48%	-12.44%	50.10%

Correlation

The correlation between HODL and BTF is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2024	0.93

The correlation between HODL and BTF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HODL vs. BTF — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

BTF

BTF Risk / Return Rank: 3
BTF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BTF Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BTF Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BTF Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTF Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

HODL vs. BTF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) and Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF). 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.

	HODL	BTF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.89	-0.68	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.23	-0.80	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.91	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.79	-0.65	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.36	-1.11	-0.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HODL vs. BTF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HODL Sharpe Ratio is -0.89, which is lower than the BTF Sharpe Ratio of -0.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HODL and BTF, 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

	HODL	BTF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.89	-0.68	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	-0.16	+0.47

Drawdowns

HODL vs. BTF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HODL drawdown since its inception was -49.25%, smaller than the maximum BTF drawdown of -77.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HODL and BTF.

Drawdown Indicators

	HODL	BTF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.25%	-77.50%	+28.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-49.25%	-56.49%	+7.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-56.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.93%	-56.49%	+8.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.97%	-39.65%	+23.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.35%	33.32%	-4.97%

Volatility

HODL vs. BTF - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) and Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF) have volatilities of 9.43% and 9.55%, 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

	HODL	BTF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	9.55%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.37%	39.47%	-5.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.51%	54.33%	-10.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.88%	58.43%	-8.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.88%	58.43%	-8.55%

HODL vs. BTF - Expense Ratio Comparison

HODL has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BTF's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

HODL vs. BTF - Dividend Comparison

HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BTF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 219.12%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BTF Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF	219.12%	146.05%	52.96%	15.98%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HODL and BTF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, HODL and BTF 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, HODL or BTF?

BTF has higher volatility (9.55%) compared to HODL (9.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HODL dropped -49.25% vs BTF's -77.50%.

Which ETF is better, HODL or BTF?

On 1-year performance, BTF leads with -36.83% vs -38.56% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HODL has been the lower-risk option at 9.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HODL or BTF?

Over the 1-year period, BTF has performed better with a -36.83% return vs -38.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HODL or BTF?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.24% for BTF.

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

BTF has the higher dividend yield at 219.12%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between HODL and BTF?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Valkyrie. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for HODL and 1.24% for BTF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BTF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.68 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.