ZSL vs. BITU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ZSL (ProShares UltraShort Silver) and BITU (Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ZSL is a Silver fund tracking the Bloomberg Silver Subindex (-2x), while BITU is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ZSL returned -92.31% vs -73.07% for BITU. At a correlation of -0.20, they often move in opposite directions. ZSL charges 1.32%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BITU.

Performance

ZSL vs. BITU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) and Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZSL achieves a -59.81% return, which is significantly lower than BITU's -52.92% return.

ZSL

• 1D: 5.33%
• 1M: -6.86%
• YTD: -59.81%
• 6M: -75.78%
• 1Y: -92.31%
• 3Y*: -69.67%
• 5Y*: -51.93%
• 10Y*: -43.74%

BITU

• 1D: -5.58%
• 1M: -34.84%
• YTD: -52.92%
• 6M: -59.11%
• 1Y: -73.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZSL vs. BITU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ZSL ProShares UltraShort Silver	-59.81%	-87.29%	-30.83%
BITU Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF	-52.92%	-37.07%	37.90%

Correlation

The correlation between ZSL and BITU is -0.22, 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	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2024	-0.20

Return for Risk

ZSL vs. BITU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZSL

ZSL Risk / Return Rank: 1
ZSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ZSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
ZSL Omega Ratio Rank: 0
ZSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
ZSL Martin Ratio Rank: 2

BITU

BITU Risk / Return Rank: 2
BITU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
BITU 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.

ZSL vs. BITU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) and Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU). 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.

	ZSL	BITU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.77	-0.84	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.38	-1.44	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.74	0.84	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.98	-0.93	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.35	-1.47	+0.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ZSL vs. BITU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZSL Sharpe Ratio is -0.77, which is comparable to the BITU Sharpe Ratio of -0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZSL and BITU, 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

	ZSL	BITU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.77	-0.84	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.70	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.67	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.67	-0.35	-0.32

Drawdowns

ZSL vs. BITU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZSL drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than BITU's maximum drawdown of -78.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZSL and BITU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZSL	BITU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-78.94%	-21.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-94.55%	-78.94%	-15.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-98.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-99.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-78.94%	-21.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-96.39%	-34.49%	-61.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	68.23%	49.84%	+18.39%

Volatility

ZSL vs. BITU - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) has a higher volatility of 32.31% compared to Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU) at 18.99%. This indicates that ZSL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BITU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZSL	BITU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	32.31%	18.99%	+13.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	105.86%	69.41%	+36.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	119.48%	87.00%	+32.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	74.07%	97.45%	-23.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	65.20%	97.45%	-32.25%

ZSL vs. BITU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZSL has a 1.32% expense ratio, which is higher than BITU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZSL vs. BITU - Dividend Comparison

ZSL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BITU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 83.36%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BITU Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF	83.36%	50.23%	0.12%
ZSL ProShares UltraShort Silver	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZSL and BITU in my portfolio?

ZSL and BITU have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZSL or BITU?

ZSL has higher volatility (32.31%) compared to BITU (18.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZSL dropped -100.00% vs BITU's -78.94%.

Which ETF is better, ZSL or BITU?

On 1-year performance, BITU leads with -73.07% vs -92.31% for ZSL. On fees, BITU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BITU has been the lower-risk option at 18.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZSL or BITU?

Over the 1-year period, BITU has performed better with a -73.07% return vs -92.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZSL or BITU?

BITU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.32% for ZSL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZSL or BITU?

BITU has the higher dividend yield at 83.36%, compared with 0.00% for ZSL.

What is the main difference between ZSL and BITU?

ZSL is categorized as Silver, while BITU is Cryptocurrency. ZSL tracks Bloomberg Silver Subindex (-2x), while BITU tracks Bloomberg Bitcoin Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Their fees differ too: 1.32% for ZSL and 0.95% for BITU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.77 vs -0.84), 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.