Important Points
The Van Eck Bitcoin ETF (NYSEMKT:HODL) and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (NASDAQ:Ether) are aimed at investors seeking direct exposure to major cryptocurrencies’ price fluctuations without owning the actual tokens. This comparison highlights their differences in costs, performance, risk, and structure, so potential investors can evaluate which option presents a better choice for Bitcoin (Cryptocurrency:BTC) versus Ethereum (Crypto:ETH) exposure.
Snapshots (Cost and Size)
| Metric | HODL | Ether |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Van Eck | iShares |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| 1-Year Return (as of February 14, 2026) | -29.18% | -23.90% |
| Assets Under Management | $1.1 billion | $6.29 billion |
The one-year return reflects the total return over the next 12 months.
Both ETFs carry similar expense ratios and have seen comparable returns over the past year; however, HODL’s smaller assets under management might concern those who prioritize fund scale.
Comparing Performance and Risk
| Metric | HODL | Ether |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Drawdown (1 year) | -49.25% | -61.57% |
What’s Inside
Launched by VanEck on January 4, 2024, HODL invests directly in Bitcoin. Six months later, BlackRock introduced ETHA, which is solely focused on Ether. Both funds provide direct exposure to the cryptocurrency market and experience high volatility.
What This Means for Investors
In 2025, both Bitcoin and Ethereum recorded negative returns, marking the first annual downturn since 2022. Many investors might have assumed that returns on top cryptocurrencies were limitless, but this served as a reminder that the crypto landscape, much like the stock market, is not immune to fluctuations.
Moreover, cryptocurrencies shouldn’t be viewed as reliable hedges against the US dollar despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariff impacts on fiat currencies.
That said, even without the worry of a digital wallet being hacked, there’s still plenty of caution needed when investing in crypto-related funds due to their volatility, which directly influences HODL and ETHA’s performance.
Over their respective lifespans, HODL has increased almost 40%, while ETHA has decreased by 41%. It remains uncertain if HODL will consistently outperform ETHA going forward. However, at this moment, HODL appears to hold more promise and greater institutional backing than Ether.
Should You Buy iShares Ethereum Trust ETF Shares Now?
Before contemplating an investment in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, it’s prudent to think about the following:
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