VYM vs ZSB
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ZSB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | ZSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.90% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 15 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +5.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +53.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +5.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -49.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 10, 2023 |
VYM vs ZSB Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF (ZSB) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while ZSB returned +53.19%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 5.17% for ZSB.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +5.26% for ZSB. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZSB charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $59 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.90% for ZSB.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZSB share 0 holdings out of 604 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, VYM or ZSB?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZSB charges 0.59%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or ZSB?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +53.19% for ZSB, so ZSB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs -1.32% for ZSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZSB?
ZSB has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZSB -49.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZSB?
VYM and ZSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZSB?
VYM and ZSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZSB?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZSB yields 0.90%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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