Over time, the range of choice among Bitcoin ETFs has expanded, but even today, the VanEck Bitcoin ETF ( HODL ) still seems to stand out from the crowd, and let’s be honest, also because of the impactfulFinancial Serenity is a financial analysis and quantitative research column with a particular focus on the asset management sector. It is actively managed by Tommaso Scarpellini, a seasoned financial researcher and data analyst with proven experience in banking and financial analytics platforms. This initiat ...

Core Insights - The VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) are designed to closely track Bitcoin's price, providing investors with direct exposure to the cryptocurrency's performance [1] Cost & Size - HODL has an expense ratio of 0.20%, making it slightly more affordable than IBIT's 0.25% [2] - As of November 3, 2025, HODL has $2.0 billion in assets under management (AUM), while IBIT has significantly larger AUM of $88.0 billion [2] Holdings - IBIT primarily holds Bitcoin with small cash amounts, aiming to match Bitcoin's price performance; it is relatively new at 1.8 years old [3] - HODL also holds 100% Bitcoin, tracking its price passively without any added complexity [4] Performance - Over the 12 months ending November 4, 2025, IBIT rose by 45.16%, while HODL delivered a slightly better return of 45.47% [7] Fee Structure - HODL is waiving all sponsor fees for the first $2.5 billion of its assets until January 10, 2026, allowing investors to buy shares without fees [5][6] - After January 10, 2026, HODL will charge a 0.20% fee [6]

Group 1 - The VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) aims to provide investors with direct exposure to the performance of bitcoin by holding bitcoin directly [1] - The strategy is designed to cater to investors looking for a way to invest in bitcoin without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency [1] Group 2 - Michael Del Monte, an analyst with over 5 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]