VYM vs ZSB
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy ETF
Which is better, VYM or ZSB?
Large Cap Value against Precious Metals.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over the full window, ZSB over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | ZSB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.59% |
| AUM | $78.9B | $2M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 0.93% |
| Holdings | 608 | 3 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6%Best | 21.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5%Best | -49.3% |
| $10,000 over 3.8 years | $16,018Best | $8,375 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | USCF Investments |
| Category | Equity | Commodity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Precious Metals |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 10, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 17 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. VYM has data through Nov 5, 2026 and ZSB through Oct 19, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 11, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026 (3.8 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% compared with 11.6% 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 -14.5% for VYM and -49.3% for ZSB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.17. They move largely independently of each other.
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 2.37% against 0.93% for ZSB.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and ZSB you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZSB?
ZSB has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 11.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs ZSB -49.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZSB?
VYM and ZSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZSB?
VYM yields 2.37% while ZSB yields 0.93%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZSB better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over the full window, ZSB over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.