EIVPX vs. ZVOL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EIVPX (Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund) and ZVOL (Volatility Premium Plus ETF) are both funds - EIVPX is a Options Trading fund managed by Eaton Vance, while ZVOL is a Volatility fund tracking the S&P 500 VIX Mid Term Futures Inverse Daily Index. Over the past 3 years, EIVPX returned 14.23%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for ZVOL. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EIVPX charges 0.47%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for ZVOL.

Performance

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund (EIVPX) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EIVPX achieves a 6.40% return, which is significantly higher than ZVOL's -2.29% return.

EIVPX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 6.40%
• 6M: 7.07%
• 1Y: 18.43%
• 3Y*: 14.23%
• 5Y*: 10.21%
• 10Y*: —

ZVOL

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 2.30%
• YTD: -2.29%
• 6M: 2.14%
• 1Y: 8.27%
• 3Y*: 9.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EIVPX Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund	6.40%	12.90%	16.45%	9.40%
ZVOL Volatility Premium Plus ETF	-2.29%	-10.71%	9.27%	51.65%

Correlation

The correlation between EIVPX and ZVOL is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2023	0.69

The correlation between EIVPX and ZVOL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EIVPX vs. ZVOL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIVPX

EIVPX Risk / Return Rank: 91
EIVPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
EIVPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
EIVPX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
EIVPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
EIVPX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

ZVOL

ZVOL Risk / Return Rank: 16
ZVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
ZVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ZVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund (EIVPX) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL). 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.

	EIVPX	ZVOL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	0.44	+2.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	0.79	+3.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.09	+0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.93	0.50	+4.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.31	1.62	+24.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIVPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is higher than the ZVOL Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIVPX and ZVOL, 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

	EIVPX	ZVOL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.95	0.44	+2.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	0.43	+0.34

Drawdowns

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIVPX drawdown since its inception was -26.67%, smaller than the maximum ZVOL drawdown of -37.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIVPX and ZVOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIVPX	ZVOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.67%	-37.25%	+10.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.81%	-16.46%	+12.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.77%	-37.25%	+24.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-22.17%	+22.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-13.43%	+10.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.71%	5.12%	-4.41%

Volatility

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund (EIVPX) is 0.93%, while Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) has a volatility of 3.59%. This indicates that EIVPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZVOL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EIVPX	ZVOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.93%	3.59%	-2.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.71%	13.27%	-8.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.38%	18.74%	-12.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.79%	29.27%	-19.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.81%	29.27%	-17.46%

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EIVPX has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than ZVOL's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

EIVPX vs. ZVOL - Dividend Comparison

EIVPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, less than ZVOL's 71.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIVPX Parametric Volatility Risk Premium - Defensive Fund	3.77%	4.01%	2.67%	5.09%	7.95%	1.22%	0.75%	1.23%	1.24%	0.53%
ZVOL Volatility Premium Plus ETF	71.14%	53.44%	30.68%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EIVPX and ZVOL in my portfolio?

EIVPX and ZVOL have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIVPX or ZVOL?

ZVOL has higher volatility (3.59%) compared to EIVPX (0.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIVPX dropped -26.67% vs ZVOL's -37.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EIVPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 0.44), 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.