BRLN vs. ZAP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BRLN (BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF) and ZAP (Global X U.S. Electrification ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BRLN is a Bank Loan fund actively managed by BlackRock, while ZAP is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Global X U.S. Electrification Index. BRLN is actively managed, while ZAP is passively managed. Over the past year, BRLN returned 5.30% vs 35.04% for ZAP. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. BRLN charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ZAP.

Performance

BRLN vs. ZAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF (BRLN) and Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRLN achieves a 1.57% return, which is significantly lower than ZAP's 20.08% return.

BRLN

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 1.57%
• 6M: 2.07%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: 7.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZAP

• 1D: 1.43%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 20.08%
• 6M: 19.91%
• 1Y: 35.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BRLN vs. ZAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BRLN BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF	1.57%	5.38%	-0.01%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	20.08%	21.84%	1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between BRLN and ZAP is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	-0.01

The correlation between BRLN and ZAP shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (1 year) to -0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BRLN vs. ZAP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BRLN

BRLN Risk / Return Rank: 55
BRLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
BRLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
BRLN Omega Ratio Rank: 54
BRLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BRLN Martin Ratio Rank: 60

ZAP

ZAP Risk / Return Rank: 73
ZAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
ZAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
ZAP Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ZAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
ZAP Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BRLN vs. ZAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF (BRLN) and Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BRLN	ZAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	2.28	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	3.05	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.66	4.87	-2.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.20	11.92	-1.72

BRLN vs. ZAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the ZAP Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRLN and ZAP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BRLN vs. ZAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRLN drawdown since its inception was -3.85%, smaller than the maximum ZAP drawdown of -12.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRLN and ZAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRLN	ZAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.85%	-12.38%	+8.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.00%	-7.23%	+5.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	0.00%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.32%	-2.60%	+2.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.52%	2.95%	-2.43%

Volatility

BRLN vs. ZAP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF (BRLN) is 1.20%, while Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP) has a volatility of 6.08%. This indicates that BRLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZAP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRLN	ZAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	6.08%	-4.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.40%	12.06%	-9.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.17%	15.47%	-12.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.75%	16.92%	-13.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.75%	16.92%	-13.17%

BRLN vs. ZAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRLN has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than ZAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRLN vs. ZAP - Dividend Comparison

BRLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.34%, more than ZAP's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BRLN BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF	6.34%	6.50%	7.87%	9.06%	1.48%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	1.49%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRLN and ZAP in my portfolio?

BRLN and ZAP have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRLN or ZAP?

ZAP has higher volatility (6.08%) compared to BRLN (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRLN dropped -3.85% vs ZAP's -12.38%.

Which ETF is better, BRLN or ZAP?

On 1-year performance, ZAP leads with 35.04% vs 5.30% for BRLN. On fees, ZAP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BRLN has been the lower-risk option at 1.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRLN or ZAP?

Over the 1-year period, ZAP has performed better with a 35.04% return vs 5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRLN or ZAP?

ZAP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for BRLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BRLN or ZAP?

BRLN has the higher dividend yield at 6.34%, compared with 1.49% for ZAP.

What is the main difference between BRLN and ZAP?

BRLN is categorized as Bank Loan, while ZAP is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BRLN and 0.50% for ZAP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.68), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.