SMOG vs. HODL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMOG (VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SMOG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy 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, SMOG returned 42.14% vs -38.56% for HODL. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMOG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

SMOG vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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, SMOG achieves a 18.16% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -25.27% return.

SMOG

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 18.16%
• 6M: 17.43%
• 1Y: 42.14%
• 3Y*: 10.86%
• 5Y*: 1.76%
• 10Y*: 12.70%

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)

SMOG vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	18.16%	33.36%	-3.23%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-25.27%	-6.42%	99.75%

Correlation

The correlation between SMOG and HODL is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2024	0.38

Return for Risk

SMOG vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMOG

SMOG Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SMOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SMOG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SMOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMOG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

SMOG vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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.

	SMOG	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	-0.89	+2.96
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	-1.23	+3.92
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.86	+0.49
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.80	-0.79	+5.58
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.62	-1.36	+14.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMOG vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMOG 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

	SMOG	HODL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	-0.89	+2.96
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.07	0.30	-0.23

Drawdowns

SMOG vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMOG drawdown since its inception was -84.39%, which is greater than HODL's maximum drawdown of -49.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOG and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMOG	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.39%	-49.25%	-35.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-49.25%	+40.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.86%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-47.93%	+33.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.47%	-15.97%	-36.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	28.35%	-25.25%

Volatility

SMOG vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is 7.43%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that SMOG 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

	SMOG	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	9.43%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.46%	34.37%	-18.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.49%	43.51%	-23.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.12%	49.88%	-24.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.73%	49.88%	-24.15%

SMOG vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMOG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMOG vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, 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%
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	1.33%	1.57%	1.64%	1.58%	1.32%	0.44%	0.06%	0.00%	0.62%	1.25%	2.12%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMOG and HODL in my portfolio?

SMOG and HODL have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMOG or HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to SMOG (7.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMOG dropped -84.39% vs HODL's -49.25%.

Which ETF is better, SMOG or HODL?

On 1-year performance, SMOG leads with 42.14% vs -38.56% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SMOG has been the lower-risk option at 7.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMOG or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, SMOG has performed better with a 42.14% return vs -38.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMOG or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for SMOG.

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

SMOG has the higher dividend yield at 1.33%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between SMOG and HODL?

SMOG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. SMOG tracks MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for SMOG and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 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.