SPY vs ZSC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ZSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | ZSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.65% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 31 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +10.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +30.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +3.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -26.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 9, 2023 |
SPY vs ZSC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while ZSC returned +30.07%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 10.66% for ZSC.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +3.97% for ZSC. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +2.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.8% 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 SPY 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
SPY charges 0.09% per year while ZSC 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 1.65% for ZSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or ZSC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while ZSC 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 ZSC?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +30.07% for ZSC, so ZSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +2.66% for ZSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or ZSC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for ZSC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs ZSC -26.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and ZSC?
SPY 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, SPY or ZSC?
SPY yields 1.01% while ZSC yields 1.65%, so ZSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.