SETH vs. ETHU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SETH (ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF) and ETHU (Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SETH is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Galaxy Ethereum (--100%), while ETHU is a Leveraged Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Volatility Shares. SETH is passively managed, while ETHU is actively managed. Over the past year, SETH returned -6.86% vs -73.33% for ETHU. At a correlation of -1.00, they often move in opposite directions. SETH charges 0.95%/yr vs 2.67%/yr for ETHU.

Performance

SETH vs. ETHU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF (SETH) 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, SETH achieves a 48.48% return, which is significantly higher than ETHU's -76.57% return.

SETH

• 1D: 4.24%
• 1M: 19.90%
• YTD: 48.48%
• 6M: 48.59%
• 1Y: -6.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ETHU

• 1D: -8.34%
• 1M: -38.44%
• YTD: -76.57%
• 6M: -76.68%
• 1Y: -73.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SETH vs. ETHU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SETH ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF	48.48%	-29.41%	-7.19%
ETHU Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF	-76.57%	-64.38%	-48.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SETH and ETHU is -1.00, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2024	-1.00

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

Return for Risk

SETH vs. ETHU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SETH

SETH Risk / Return Rank: 9
SETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
SETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
SETH Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
SETH Martin Ratio Rank: 8

ETHU

ETHU Risk / Return Rank: 4
ETHU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHU Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHU Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHU Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
ETHU 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.

SETH vs. ETHU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF (SETH) 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.

	SETH	ETHU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.10	-0.53	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	-0.37	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	0.96	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.13	-0.78	+0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.21	-1.12	+0.91

SETH vs. ETHU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.10, which is higher than the ETHU Sharpe Ratio of -0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SETH 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

SETH vs. ETHU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SETH drawdown since its inception was -80.74%, smaller than the maximum ETHU drawdown of -96.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SETH and ETHU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SETH	ETHU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.74%	-96.27%	+15.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.14%	-93.66%	+39.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-59.21%	-95.94%	+36.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-54.80%	-69.93%	+15.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	35.80%	65.51%	-29.71%

Volatility

SETH vs. ETHU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF (SETH) is 19.43%, while Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF (ETHU) has a volatility of 39.76%. This indicates that SETH 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

	SETH	ETHU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.43%	39.76%	-20.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.71%	95.70%	-48.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	69.21%	138.92%	-69.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	69.66%	143.29%	-73.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	69.66%	143.29%	-73.63%

SETH vs. ETHU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SETH has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than ETHU's 2.67% expense ratio.

Dividends

SETH vs. ETHU - Dividend Comparison

SETH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.36%, more than ETHU's 6.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ETHU Volatility Shares 2x Ether ETF	6.26%	2.31%	0.41%	0.00%
SETH ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF	10.36%	7.01%	3.44%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SETH and ETHU in my portfolio?

SETH and ETHU have a correlation of -1.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SETH or ETHU?

ETHU has higher volatility (39.76%) compared to SETH (19.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SETH dropped -80.74% vs ETHU's -96.27%.

Which ETF is better, SETH or ETHU?

On 1-year performance, SETH leads with -6.86% vs -73.33% for ETHU. On fees, SETH is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, SETH has been the lower-risk option at 19.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SETH or ETHU?

Over the 1-year period, SETH has performed better with a -6.86% return vs -73.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SETH or ETHU?

SETH is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 2.67% for ETHU.

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

SETH has the higher dividend yield at 10.36%, compared with 6.26% for ETHU.

What is the main difference between SETH and ETHU?

SETH is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while ETHU is Leveraged Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Volatility Shares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SETH and 2.67% for ETHU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SETH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.10 vs -0.53), 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.