VTI vs ZSB
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ZSB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | ZSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.90% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 15 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +5.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +53.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +5.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -49.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 10, 2023 |
VTI vs ZSB Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF (ZSB) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZSB returned +53.19%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 5.17% for ZSB.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +5.26% for ZSB. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZSB 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, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.90% for ZSB.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZSB share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, VTI or ZSB?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZSB charges 0.59%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZSB?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +53.19% for ZSB, so ZSB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs -1.32% for ZSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZSB?
ZSB has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZSB -49.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZSB?
VTI and ZSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and ZSB?
VTI and ZSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZSB?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZSB yields 0.90%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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