CPER vs. ZSB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

CPER (United States Copper Index Fund) and ZSB (USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - CPER is a Metals fund tracking the SummerHaven Copper Index Total Return, while ZSB is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Electric Vehicle Meals Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CPER returned 20.89%/yr vs 6.63%/yr for ZSB. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPER charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for ZSB.

Performance

CPER vs. ZSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) and USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPER achieves a 16.13% return, which is significantly higher than ZSB's 14.02% return.

CPER

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: 12.06%
• YTD: 16.13%
• 6M: 26.32%
• 1Y: 33.68%
• 3Y*: 20.89%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

ZSB

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 14.02%
• 6M: 28.85%
• 1Y: 78.36%
• 3Y*: 6.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPER vs. ZSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPER United States Copper Index Fund	16.13%	38.95%	4.23%	-4.74%
ZSB USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund	14.02%	64.34%	-19.70%	-31.38%

Correlation

The correlation between CPER and ZSB is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2023	0.53

The correlation between CPER and ZSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPER vs. ZSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPER

CPER Risk / Return Rank: 28
CPER Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
CPER Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
CPER Omega Ratio Rank: 34
CPER Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
CPER Martin Ratio Rank: 24

ZSB

ZSB Risk / Return Rank: 81
ZSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
ZSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
ZSB Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ZSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ZSB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

CPER vs. ZSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) and USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB). 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.

	CPER	ZSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	2.99	-2.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.34	3.38	-2.04
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.54	-0.31
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	4.77	-3.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.21	13.48	-10.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPER vs. ZSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPER Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is lower than the ZSB Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPER and ZSB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CPER	ZSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99	2.99	-2.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.05	+0.09

Drawdowns

CPER vs. ZSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPER drawdown since its inception was -54.04%, which is greater than ZSB's maximum drawdown of -49.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPER and ZSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPER	ZSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.04%	-49.26%	-4.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.77%	-16.75%	-8.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.77%	-43.22%	+18.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.87%	+3.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.41%	-30.98%	+5.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.92%	5.92%	+6.00%

Volatility

CPER vs. ZSB - Volatility Comparison

United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) has a higher volatility of 9.37% compared to USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund (ZSB) at 5.39%. This indicates that CPER's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPER	ZSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.37%	5.39%	+3.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.64%	22.64%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.51%	26.31%	+8.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.97%	19.60%	+7.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.03%	19.60%	+4.43%

CPER vs. ZSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPER has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than ZSB's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPER vs. ZSB - Dividend Comparison

CPER has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ZSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.81%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CPER United States Copper Index Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ZSB USCF Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund	0.81%	0.92%	2.96%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPER and ZSB in my portfolio?

CPER and ZSB have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPER or ZSB?

CPER has higher volatility (9.37%) compared to ZSB (5.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPER dropped -54.04% vs ZSB's -49.26%.

Which ETF is better, CPER or ZSB?

On 3-year performance, CPER leads with 20.89% vs 6.63% for ZSB. On fees, ZSB is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, ZSB has been the lower-risk option at 5.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPER or ZSB?

Over the 3-year period, CPER has performed better with a 20.89% return vs 6.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPER or ZSB?

ZSB is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for CPER.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPER or ZSB?

ZSB has the higher dividend yield at 0.81%, compared with 0.00% for CPER.

What is the main difference between CPER and ZSB?

CPER is categorized as Metals, while ZSB is Commodities. CPER tracks SummerHaven Copper Index Total Return, while ZSB tracks S&P GSCI Electric Vehicle Meals Index. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for CPER and 0.59% for ZSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 0.99), 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.