One is, of course, perpetually asked about these… digital novelties. The VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL +5.20%) and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA +6.78%) offer a means of participating in the cryptocurrency craze without actually having to understand it, which, frankly, is a considerable relief. A comparative glance, if one can bear it, reveals the nuances – or lack thereof – between backing Bitcoin versus Ethereum. One might describe the entire affair as a rather speculative pastime.
A Snapshot of the Situation
| Metric | HODL | ETHA |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | VanEck | iShares |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| 1-yr Return (as of Feb. 14, 2026) | -29.18% | -23.90% |
| AUM | $1.1 billion | $6.29 billion |
Both charge a perfectly reasonable, if ultimately futile, fee. The one-year performance is, shall we say, disheartening. HODL’s smaller size might be a consideration for those who prefer a more… intimate relationship with their losses.
Performance and the Illusion of Risk
| Metric | HODL | ETHA |
|---|---|---|
| Max Drawdown (1 y) | -49.25% | -61.57% |
The Contents, Briefly
HODL, launched in January 2024, confines itself to Bitcoin. ETHA, a mere six months later, dabbles in Ether. Both offer direct access to the volatility of the crypto market, a quality that, admittedly, some find rather stimulating. It’s a game for those who enjoy a frisson of anxiety with their portfolio.
For further guidance on the intricacies of ETF investing, a rather lengthy guide is available elsewhere. One trusts it is suitably detailed.
What it All Means, If Anything
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced a rather unseemly decline in 2025 – the first annual setback since 2022. A sobering moment, no doubt, for those who believed these digital assets were exempt from the laws of financial gravity. Governments and institutions continue to dabble, of course, but even they are not immune to the occasional downturn. It’s tiresome, really.
The notion of cryptocurrency as a hedge against the U.S. dollar is, frankly, absurd. Tariffs and geopolitical tensions affect fiat currencies, naturally, but to suggest Bitcoin offers any real protection is a rather desperate attempt to justify a losing investment.
One must approach crypto-holding funds with caution. Digital wallet hacks are avoided, certainly, but the inherent volatility remains. It’s a market prone to dramatic swings, and funds like HODL and ETHA will inevitably reflect that turbulence.
Over the lifespan of these funds, HODL has managed a modest 40% increase, while ETHA has suffered a 41% decline. Whether HODL will outperform ETHA in the long run remains to be seen. For the moment, though, it appears the more promising – and benefits from a slightly greater level of institutional and governmental attention. A small advantage, perhaps, but in this game, one takes what one can get.
Read More
- 2025 Crypto Wallets: Secure, Smart, and Surprisingly Simple!
- Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on Paramount+, Including ‘48 Hours’
- 20 Films Where the Opening Credits Play Over a Single Continuous Shot
- Top gainers and losers
- 10 Underrated Films by Wyatt Russell You Must See
- Top 20 Overlooked Gems from Well-Known Directors
- ‘The Substance’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie of the Week: Here Are the Remaining Top 10 Movies
- Brent Oil Forecast
- 50 Serial Killer Movies That Will Keep You Up All Night
- HSR Fate/stay night — best team comps and bond synergies
2026-02-15 06:42