VOO vs ZSC

VOO vs ZSC
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Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. ZSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: ZSCMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVOOZSCWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.59%
AUM$997.4B$3M
Dividend Yield1.08%1.65%
Holdings50931
YTD Return+12.68%+10.66%
1Y Return+21.87%+30.07%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.06%+3.97%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.95%-
Volatility (annualized)14.1%13.8%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-26.5%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)USCF Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 7, 2010Aug 9, 2023

VOO vs ZSC Performance

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% while ZSC returned +30.07%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.68% versus a gain of 10.66% for ZSC.

Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.06% per year against +3.97% for ZSC. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +2.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VOO 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, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 1.65% for ZSC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VOO or ZSC?

VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZSC charges 0.59%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VOO or ZSC?

Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% vs +30.07% for ZSC, so ZSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.47% vs +2.66% for ZSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VOO or ZSC?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.8% for ZSC. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs ZSC -26.5%.

Should I hold both VOO and ZSC?

VOO and ZSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or ZSC?

VOO yields 1.08% while ZSC yields 1.65%, so ZSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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