Bitcoin’s rally continues to attract both long-term believers and short-term traders. For aggressive investors seeking amplified returns, leveraged Bitcoin ETFs like BITU and BITX offer an interesting option. Both funds deliver 2x daily exposure to Bitcoin price movements while also paying monthly dividends. But before diving in, it's important to compare their structures, fees, dividends, and performance differences.
BITU ETF Overview
BITU is offered by ProShares, a major ETF provider known for popular leveraged funds like TQQQ. Launched in April 2024, BITU seeks 2x daily exposure to Bitcoin using futures contracts, meaning it doesn't directly hold Bitcoin. The fund charges a 0.95% expense ratio and has grown to manage approximately $1.17 billion in assets.
A standout feature of BITU is its monthly dividend payouts. From January to May 2025, BITU paid approximately $2.57 per share, which annualizes to around 10% yield — a significant bonus for dividend-focused investors.
Recent performance:
- 1-Month: +5.53%
- 6-Month: -18.4%
- 12-Month: +58.54%
BITX ETF Overview
BITX, operated by Volatility Shares, was launched in June 2023. Like BITU, BITX provides 2x daily leveraged exposure to Bitcoin using futures contracts. However, it charges a significantly higher expense ratio of 1.85%. BITX has grown rapidly, managing around $2.85 billion in assets, making it more than double the size of BITU.
BITX also pays monthly dividends. From January to May 2025, BITX distributed approximately $1.74 per share, translating to an annualized yield of about 10%. Recent distributions suggest a gradual upward trend in dividend payouts.
Recent performance:
- 1-Month: +5.57%
- 6-Month: -18.9%
- 12-Month: +36.7%
BITU vs BITX: Quick Comparison
Criteria | BITU | BITX |
---|---|---|
Provider | ProShares | Volatility Shares |
Launch Date | April 2024 | June 2023 |
Assets Under Management (AUM) | $1.17 Billion | $2.85 Billion |
Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 1.85% |
Exposure Type | Bitcoin Futures | Bitcoin Futures |
Leverage | 2x Daily | 2x Daily |
Annualized Dividend Yield | ~10% | ~10% |
Dividend Schedule | End of Month | End of Month or Early Next Month |
Both BITU and BITX can provide high upside potential but come with significant risks due to their leveraged structure. Their high dividends are attractive, but price swings can be extreme. These funds are best suited for experienced traders who actively monitor their positions rather than buy-and-hold investors.