The financial markets have delivered strong gains in 2024, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) rising 28% year-to-date. Yet, while broad market indices posted solid returns, a select group of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has far outpaced the average investor’s expectations—many of them fueled by innovation in technology and digital assets.
Among the top 10 best-performing non-leveraged ETFs of the year, one trend stands out: crypto-related strategies dominate the leaderboard, but even more telling is the overarching theme of risk-taking, technological disruption, and structural creativity in portfolio design.
From AI-driven automotive exposure to bitcoin futures and option-income plays on tech giants, these ETFs reflect a market appetite for high-growth narratives backed by real-world adoption trends.
1: Simplify Volt RoboCar Distribution and Tech ETF (VCAR)
Leading the pack with an astonishing 213% return as of December 19, the Simplify Volt RoboCar Distribution and Tech ETF (VCAR) is a concentrated, actively managed fund that centers its strategy around Tesla (TSLA). At least 80% of its assets are tied directly or indirectly to Tesla—through common stock, linked ETFs, swaps, or call options.
What sets VCAR apart is its innovative overlay strategy: it uses AI-driven news sentiment analysis and technical indicators to manage an options-based risk framework. This allows the fund to adjust exposure dynamically based on market conditions, aiming to enhance risk-adjusted returns without sacrificing upside potential.
With $23.3 million in assets under management (AUM) and an expense ratio of 1.2%, VCAR exemplifies how niche thematic investing—when combined with smart risk engineering—can deliver outsized results.
👉 Discover how thematic ETFs are reshaping modern portfolios.
2: Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC)
Coming in second with a 158% year-to-date gain, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) marks a pivotal moment in crypto finance history. Originally launched as a closed-end fund, GBTC’s transformation into a spot bitcoin ETF was made possible through Grayscale’s landmark legal victory over the SEC—a decision that paved the way for the entire wave of spot bitcoin ETF approvals in January 2024.
Today, GBTC offers investors direct exposure to the daily spot price of bitcoin, with holdings securely custodied and priced using the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index. As the largest fund on this list—with $22.4 billion in AUM—it serves as a mainstream gateway for institutional and retail investors alike.
Despite its relatively high 1.5% expense ratio, GBTC’s scale, liquidity, and historical significance make it a cornerstone holding in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Other Top-Performing Crypto & Innovation-Focused ETFs
Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF (DEFI)
With a 140% return, DEFI provides exposure to both physical bitcoin and bitcoin futures contracts. Launched in September 2022—before the SEC approved spot bitcoin ETFs—it remains one of the early pioneers in regulated crypto access. It manages $17 million in assets with a competitive 0.94% fee.
Simplify Bitcoin Strategy Plus Income ETF (MAXI)
MAXI delivers 138% growth by combining bitcoin futures exposure with an income-generating options strategy. The fund sells short-dated put and call spreads on equities and fixed income instruments, creating a dual-purpose vehicle for capital appreciation and yield. However, its steep 6.1% expense ratio reflects complex structuring costs.
ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO)
As the first U.S. bitcoin-linked ETF, BITO continues to perform strongly with 136% returns. It holds front-month CME bitcoin futures contracts and has become a benchmark for futures-based crypto exposure. With $2.6 billion in AUM and a 0.95% fee, it remains widely accessible.
First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry and Digital Economy ETF (CRPT)
CRPT takes an indirect approach, investing in companies driving the digital economy—like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Coinbase (COIN)—rather than holding crypto directly. Its 122% return underscores investor confidence in the broader blockchain infrastructure story.
Ark 21Shares Active On-Chain Bitcoin Strategy ETF (ARKC)
ARKC uses a quantitative trend-following model to allocate across bitcoin futures and cash equivalents. Though small at just $2.7 million in AUM, its 119% return highlights the power of systematic, rules-based crypto investing.
Bitwise Bitcoin Strategy Optimum Roll ETF (BITC)
BITC blends bitcoin growth potential with U.S. Treasuries for risk mitigation. Its proprietary momentum-based rotation strategy helped achieve 118% returns, benefiting from BTC’s price doubling in 2024 due to rising institutional adoption and ETF launches.
ProShares Bitcoin and Ether Market Cap Weight Strategy ETF (BETH)
BETH offers diversified exposure to both bitcoin and Ethereum via futures contracts. Its 114% performance reflects strong demand for multi-asset crypto strategies. With only $14 million in AUM, it remains under the radar but well-positioned for growth.
YieldMax NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF (NVDY)
Rounding out the list with 109% returns, NVDY capitalizes on Nvidia’s (NVDA) explosive rally through a covered-call strategy. By selling call options on the stock, it generates monthly income while maintaining equity exposure—a popular structure among income-seeking investors.
FAQ: Understanding High-Performing ETF Trends in 2024
Q: Why did crypto-related ETFs dominate 2024’s top performers?
A: The surge was driven by increased institutional adoption, regulatory clarity with spot bitcoin ETF approvals, and macroeconomic factors like halving cycles and inflation hedging demand.
Q: Is VCAR’s Tesla concentration risky?
A: Yes—VCAR’s heavy reliance on Tesla introduces single-stock risk. However, its AI-enhanced options overlay aims to mitigate downside volatility during turbulent periods.
Q: How does GBTC differ from other bitcoin ETFs?
A: GBTC was the first major vehicle to offer regulated U.S. exposure to bitcoin. Its legal battle with the SEC set a precedent that enabled all other spot bitcoin ETFs to launch in 2024.
Q: Are high expense ratios like MAXI’s 6.1% justified?
A: In some cases, yes—complex strategies involving derivatives and active management incur higher operational costs. Investors should weigh fees against performance and strategic fit.
Q: Can NVDY sustain its high returns?
A: NVDY’s performance is closely tied to Nvidia’s stock momentum and options premium levels. While future returns may moderate, strong AI demand supports continued underlying strength.
👉 Explore how next-gen financial products are redefining investment opportunities.
Core Themes Driving ETF Success in 2024
Three key factors underpin the success of these top-performing funds:
- Technological Innovation: Whether through AI, blockchain, or semiconductor advancements, funds tied to disruptive tech outperformed traditional sectors.
- Structural Creativity: Many top ETFs use derivatives, options overlays, or hybrid income models to enhance returns beyond simple price tracking.
- Market Timing & Regulatory Shifts: The approval of spot bitcoin ETFs created a flood of capital into digital assets, lifting all crypto-adjacent strategies.
These funds aren’t just riding trends—they’re redefining how investors access high-growth themes in a regulated, transparent format.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 ETF landscape proves that when innovation meets execution, extraordinary results follow. From VCAR’s AI-powered Tesla bet to GBTC’s historic market entry and NVDY’s clever income play on Nvidia, these funds represent the cutting edge of modern investing.
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, the underlying drivers—crypto adoption, AI expansion, and financial engineering—are likely to remain relevant well beyond 2025.
👉 Stay ahead of the next wave of financial innovation—see what’s next in digital asset investing.
Keywords: best performing ETFs 2024, crypto ETFs, VCAR ETF, GBTC ETF, bitcoin ETF performance, innovation ETFs, high-growth ETFs, spot bitcoin ETF