ISRA vs. HODL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ISRA (VanEck Israel ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ISRA is a Global Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Israel Global 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, ISRA returned 24.36% vs -43.43% for HODL. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISRA charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

ISRA vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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, ISRA achieves a 5.99% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -31.58% return.

ISRA

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -9.72%
• YTD: 5.99%
• 6M: 3.09%
• 1Y: 24.36%
• 3Y*: 24.26%
• 5Y*: 6.80%
• 10Y*: 10.42%

HODL

• 1D: -3.97%
• 1M: -21.08%
• YTD: -31.58%
• 6M: -31.41%
• 1Y: -43.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISRA vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	5.99%	36.98%	28.08%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-31.58%	-6.42%	91.50%

Correlation

The correlation between ISRA and HODL is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.38

Return for Risk

ISRA vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISRA

ISRA Risk / Return Rank: 40
ISRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ISRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ISRA Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ISRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ISRA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

HODL

HODL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HODL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
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.

ISRA vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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.

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.

	ISRA	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	-0.99	+2.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	-1.44	+3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	0.84	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	-0.83	+2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.00	-1.42	+8.42

ISRA vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISRA Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISRA 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.

Drawdowns

ISRA vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISRA drawdown since its inception was -45.02%, smaller than the maximum HODL drawdown of -52.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISRA and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISRA	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.02%	-52.32%	+7.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.46%	-52.32%	+40.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.74%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.46%	-52.32%	+40.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.17%	-16.84%	+5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	30.66%	-27.17%

Volatility

ISRA vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is 8.11%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 13.35%. This indicates that ISRA 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

	ISRA	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.11%	13.35%	-5.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.28%	34.55%	-18.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.13%	44.27%	-23.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.10%	49.92%	-27.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.01%	49.92%	-28.91%

ISRA vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISRA has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISRA vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

ISRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, while HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	1.39%	1.48%	1.21%	1.89%	1.36%	1.28%	0.17%	1.38%	0.76%	1.58%	1.62%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISRA and HODL in my portfolio?

ISRA and HODL have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISRA or HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (13.35%) compared to ISRA (8.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISRA dropped -45.02% vs HODL's -52.32%.

Which ETF is better, ISRA or HODL?

On 1-year performance, ISRA leads with 24.36% vs -43.43% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, ISRA has been the lower-risk option at 8.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISRA or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, ISRA has performed better with a 24.36% return vs -43.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISRA or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for ISRA.

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

ISRA has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between ISRA and HODL?

ISRA is categorized as Global Equities, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. ISRA tracks BlueStar Israel Global Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ISRA and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs -0.99), 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.