SHYD vs. HODL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SHYD (VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SHYD is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Municipal High Yield Short Duration, while HODL is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHYD returned 4.91% vs -45.11% for HODL. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SHYD charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

SHYD vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF (SHYD) 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, SHYD achieves a 1.30% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -32.31% return.

SHYD

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.04%
• YTD: 1.30%
• 6M: 1.14%
• 1Y: 4.91%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 0.96%
• 10Y*: 2.01%

HODL

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -21.99%
• YTD: -32.31%
• 6M: -32.14%
• 1Y: -45.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SHYD vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SHYD VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF	1.30%	5.58%	4.66%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-32.31%	-6.42%	91.50%

Correlation

The correlation between SHYD and HODL is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.09

The correlation between SHYD and HODL shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (all time) to 0.19 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SHYD vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHYD

SHYD Risk / Return Rank: 57
SHYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SHYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SHYD Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SHYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SHYD Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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: 1

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.

SHYD vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF (SHYD) 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.

	SHYD	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	-1.02	+2.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	-1.54	+4.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	0.83	+0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	-0.86	+3.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	-1.46	+8.94

SHYD vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHYD Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHYD 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

SHYD vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHYD drawdown since its inception was -31.22%, smaller than the maximum HODL drawdown of -52.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHYD and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHYD	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.22%	-52.83%	+21.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.17%	-52.83%	+50.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.17%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.32%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-52.83%	+52.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-16.90%	+13.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	30.84%	-30.18%

Volatility

SHYD vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF (SHYD) is 0.59%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 13.29%. This indicates that SHYD 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

	SHYD	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.59%	13.29%	-12.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.95%	34.55%	-32.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.96%	44.21%	-41.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.38%	49.88%	-44.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.69%	49.88%	-40.19%

SHYD vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHYD has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHYD vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

SHYD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, 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%
SHYD VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF	3.49%	3.50%	3.16%	2.99%	2.66%	2.56%	3.05%	3.19%	3.17%	3.11%	2.97%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHYD and HODL in my portfolio?

SHYD and HODL have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHYD or HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (13.29%) compared to SHYD (0.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHYD dropped -31.22% vs HODL's -52.83%.

Which ETF is better, SHYD or HODL?

On 1-year performance, SHYD leads with 4.91% vs -45.11% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SHYD has been the lower-risk option at 0.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHYD or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, SHYD has performed better with a 4.91% return vs -45.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHYD or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SHYD.

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

SHYD has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between SHYD and HODL?

SHYD is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. SHYD tracks Bloomberg Municipal High Yield Short Duration, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SHYD and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHYD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs -1.02), 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.