The 2024 Bitcoin halving has come and gone — and with it, a renewed wave of optimism in the crypto markets. Bitcoin’s price, which briefly dipped below $60,000, has since rebounded to around $67,000, signaling strong market resilience and long-term confidence. This momentum has reignited interest in Bitcoin ETFs, offering investors a regulated, accessible way to gain exposure to digital assets without the complexities of direct ownership.
As institutional adoption grows, financial advisors and wealth managers are increasingly allocating small portions of portfolios into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds provide transparency, liquidity, and ease of trading through traditional brokerage accounts — making them ideal for both novice and experienced investors.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top-performing Bitcoin ETFs available today, their performance metrics, fee structures, and strategic advantages in a post-halving market.
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Understanding Bitcoin ETFs: Spot vs. Futures
Before diving into specific funds, it's crucial to understand the two main types of Bitcoin ETFs:
- Spot Bitcoin ETFs hold actual Bitcoin and aim to track its real-time market price.
- Futures-based Bitcoin ETFs invest in Bitcoin futures contracts traded on regulated exchanges like the CME.
While both offer exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements, spot ETFs generally provide more accurate tracking and lower long-term costs. Futures-based ETFs may incur "roll costs" when contracts expire and are rolled over, potentially impacting returns over time.
Let’s examine three leading options across these categories.
Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF)
The Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (NYSE: BTF) stands out for its dual exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Rather than holding the actual assets, BTF uses futures contracts to mirror their performance.
This approach offers a layer of diversification — albeit limited due to the high correlation between BTC and ETH — while maintaining regulatory compliance and ease of access through traditional brokerage platforms.
Key Metrics:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): $50.84 million
- Expense Ratio: 1.24%
- Shares Outstanding: 2.70 million
- Dividend Yield: 11.53% (TTM: $2.23)
- 1-Year Return: +81.22%
- Beta: 0.74
While the double-digit dividend yield is eye-catching, it's important to note that such payouts are often a byproduct of volatility and tax-driven distributions rather than sustainable income. Over the long term, this yield may not persist and could even reduce total return potential due to capital erosion after distribution.
Still, BTF remains a compelling option for investors seeking combined exposure to major digital assets through a single, regulated fund.
ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO)
Launched as one of the first Bitcoin futures ETFs in the U.S., the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (NYSE: BITO) paved the way for mainstream institutional access to cryptocurrency markets. BITO tracks Bitcoin’s price by investing in regulated CME Bitcoin futures contracts.
As a pioneer in the space, BITO has attracted significant assets and widespread trading volume, making it one of the most liquid crypto-related ETFs available.
Key Metrics:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): $2.38 billion
- Expense Ratio: 0.95%
- Shares Outstanding: 85.22 million
- Dividend Yield: 15.91% (TTM: $4.62)
- 1-Year Return: +78.19%
- Beta: 0.68
Despite its popularity, BITO does not hold actual Bitcoin — meaning its performance can deviate from spot prices due to futures roll yields and contango effects in the derivatives market. Additionally, the high dividend yield should be interpreted cautiously; similar to BTF, these payouts stem from taxable gains rather than operational profits and may not enhance long-term returns.
However, for investors prioritizing liquidity and familiarity, BITO remains a solid entry point into the world of crypto ETFs.
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Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
The Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (NASDAQ: BRRR) represents a newer generation of Bitcoin ETFs — one that holds actual Bitcoin in cold storage. As a spot Bitcoin ETF, BRRR aims to track the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, providing investors with direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price with minimal tracking error.
Backed by experienced digital asset investment firms and using secure custody solutions, BRRR combines safety with regulatory transparency.
Key Metrics:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): $509.34 million
- Expense Ratio: Just 0.25% — among the lowest in the sector
- Shares Outstanding: 40,000
- Beta: 0.92
With its low fees and physical backing, BRRR is positioned to outperform futures-based ETFs over time. Analysts suggest that spot ETFs like BRRR may deliver better total returns due to reduced complexity, no roll costs, and tighter correlation with Bitcoin’s spot price.
For investors who prefer not to manage private keys or worry about wallet security but still want authentic exposure to Bitcoin’s upside, BRRR offers a compelling middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Bitcoin ETF?
A Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price through a traditional stock market instrument. Instead of buying and storing crypto directly, investors can buy shares of an ETF that either holds actual Bitcoin (spot ETF) or tracks its price via futures contracts.
How does the 2024 halving affect Bitcoin ETFs?
The halving reduces new Bitcoin supply by 50%, historically leading to upward price pressure over the following months and years. This bullish sentiment often boosts demand for Bitcoin ETFs as more investors seek regulated access to potential gains.
Are Bitcoin ETFs safer than holding crypto directly?
For many investors, yes. ETFs eliminate risks associated with private key management, exchange hacks, and wallet errors. They’re also regulated by financial authorities like the SEC, offering greater transparency and investor protection.
Do Bitcoin ETFs pay dividends?
Some do — particularly futures-based funds like BITO and BTF — but these dividends result from capital gains distributions, not ongoing income. High yields can indicate tax inefficiencies and may reduce long-term growth potential.
Which is better: spot or futures-based Bitcoin ETFs?
Spot ETFs generally offer more accurate price tracking and lower long-term costs. Futures-based ETFs may suffer from roll costs and contango but were historically easier to approve due to regulatory concerns.
Can I hold Bitcoin ETFs in my retirement account?
Yes — most Bitcoin ETFs trade on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, making them eligible for inclusion in IRAs, 401(k)s, and other tax-advantaged accounts through compatible brokers.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Bitcoin ETF
After the 2024 halving, investor sentiment around Bitcoin remains strong. With price recovery already underway, now is a strategic time to consider adding Bitcoin ETFs to your portfolio — especially if you value convenience, regulation, and integration with existing investment platforms.
Among the best options:
- Choose BRRR for low-cost, physically backed exposure.
- Consider BITO for high liquidity and early-mover recognition.
- Explore BTF if you want diversified exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Each fund serves different needs, so align your choice with your risk tolerance, return expectations, and investment goals.
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