VAVX vs. HODL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VAVX (VanEck Avalanche ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both Cryptocurrency funds from VanEck - VAVX tracks the MarketVector Avalanche Benchmark Rate while HODL tracks the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VAVX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

VAVX vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

VAVX

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: -3.44%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HODL

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -2.16%
• 6M: -32.59%
• YTD: -26.57%
• 1Y: -46.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VAVX vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VAVX VanEck Avalanche ETF	-43.79%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-28.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VAVX and HODL is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

VAVX vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAVX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

HODL

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

VAVX vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VAVX	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	-1.05	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	-1.59	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	0.82	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	-0.87	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	-1.40	—

Drawdowns

VAVX vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAVX drawdown since its inception was -48.92%, smaller than the maximum HODL drawdown of -53.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAVX and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAVX	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.92%	-53.20%	+4.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-53.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.58%	-48.83%	+4.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.17%	-17.64%	-9.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	33.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VAVX	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.76%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	34.75%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	64.68%	44.22%	+20.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	64.68%	49.59%	+15.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	64.68%	49.59%	+15.09%

VAVX vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VAVX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VAVX vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

VAVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, while HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%
VAVX VanEck Avalanche ETF	1.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VAVX and HODL in my portfolio?

VAVX and HODL have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VAVX or HODL?

On fees, VAVX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VAVX or HODL?

VAVX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for HODL.

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

VAVX has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between VAVX and HODL?

VAVX tracks MarketVector Avalanche Benchmark Rate, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for VAVX and 0.25% for HODL.