IVV vs ZSC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ZSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | ZSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.65% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 31 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +10.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +30.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +3.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -26.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 9, 2023 |
IVV vs ZSC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while ZSC returned +30.06%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 10.60% for ZSC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +3.91% for ZSC. Across the full 3-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +2.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.7% for ZSC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -26.5% for ZSC. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while ZSC charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $59 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.65% for ZSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ZSC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZSC charges 0.59%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZSC?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +30.06% for ZSC, so ZSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +2.64% for ZSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZSC?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.7% for ZSC. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZSC -26.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZSC?
IVV and ZSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ZSC?
IVV yields 1.10% while ZSC yields 1.65%, so ZSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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