Interested in Bitcoin or Ethereum? These ETFs Offer Exposure to Digital Tokens

The Motley Fool

by newsfeedback@fool.com (Adé Hennis)

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Investors looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin or Ethereum without directly holding cryptocurrencies now have new options through ETFs. The VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) provide a way to invest in leading digital assets indirectly, potentially reducing risks associated with storing crypto in wallets. These ETFs allow investors to align their portfolios with the price movements of Bitcoin or Ethereum without the need for direct ownership, offering an alternative route to exposure. The VanEck Bitcoin ETF was one of the first of its kind, designed specifically to track the price of Bitcoin. It holds physical Bitcoin secured by a trusted custodian, providing transparency and security. This approach eliminates the risks tied to private crypto wallets, such as hacking or loss of private keys. For those focused solely on Bitcoin exposure, HODL offers a straightforward and regulated investment vehicle. On the other hand, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF provides exposure to Ethereum, which is known for its smart contracts and decentralized applications. Unlike HODL, ETHA does not hold actual ETH tokens but instead holds ether in a separate account, with daily rebalancing to maintain the target weight of 95%. This structural difference means that while both ETFs aim to mirror their respective cryptocurrencies, they do so through slightly different mechanisms. For investors weighing Bitcoin versus Ethereum exposure, it’s important to consider factors like cost and performance. Both ETFs have relatively low expense ratios compared to traditional crypto investments, making them accessible to a broad range of investors. Additionally, the 1-year returns for these ETFs can give insights into their recent performance relative to their underlying assets. These ETFs matter because they bridge the gap between traditional investing and cryptocurrency markets. For risk

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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/15/2026