SPY vs ZSB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ZSB delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | ZSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.90% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 15 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +5.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +53.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +5.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -49.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 10, 2023 |
SPY vs ZSB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF (ZSB) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while ZSB returned +53.19%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 5.17% for ZSB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +5.26% for ZSB. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -1.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY and -49.3% for ZSB. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while ZSB charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $59 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.90% for ZSB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and ZSB share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or ZSB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while ZSB charges 0.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or ZSB?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +53.19% for ZSB, so ZSB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs -1.32% for ZSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or ZSB?
ZSB has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs ZSB -49.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and ZSB?
SPY and ZSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and ZSB?
SPY and ZSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or ZSB?
SPY yields 1.01% while ZSB yields 0.90%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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