FAAR vs. ZSC

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) and ZSC (USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund) are both Commodities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FAAR returned 23.72% vs 31.68% for ZSC. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FAAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for ZSC.

Performance

FAAR vs. ZSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAAR achieves a 16.98% return, which is significantly higher than ZSC's 8.27% return.

FAAR

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -4.62%
• 6M: 11.94%
• YTD: 16.98%
• 1Y: 23.72%
• 3Y*: 9.36%
• 5Y*: 7.09%
• 10Y*: 4.29%

ZSC

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 1.86%
• 6M: 3.19%
• YTD: 8.27%
• 1Y: 31.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FAAR vs. ZSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	16.98%	8.07%	5.97%	-1.68%
ZSC USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund	8.27%	28.43%	-14.39%	-10.63%

Correlation

The correlation between FAAR and ZSC is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2023	0.14

The correlation between FAAR and ZSC shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (all time) to 0.25 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FAAR vs. ZSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 69
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

ZSC

ZSC Risk / Return Rank: 86
ZSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
ZSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ZSC Omega Ratio Rank: 91
ZSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ZSC Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

FAAR vs. ZSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC). 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.

	FAAR	ZSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.47	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	3.23	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.47	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.66	4.14	-1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.98	10.45	-1.47

FAAR vs. ZSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the ZSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAAR and ZSC, 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

FAAR vs. ZSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAAR drawdown since its inception was -18.03%, smaller than the maximum ZSC drawdown of -26.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAAR and ZSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAAR	ZSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.03%	-26.49%	+8.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-7.69%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.03%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.03%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.98%	-3.78%	-4.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.82%	-14.38%	+6.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	3.04%	-0.39%

Volatility

FAAR vs. ZSC - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund (ZSC) have volatilities of 2.81% and 2.91%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAAR	ZSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.81%	2.91%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.77%	9.16%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.93%	12.91%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.92%	12.22%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.55%	12.22%	-0.67%

FAAR vs. ZSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ZSC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAAR vs. ZSC - Dividend Comparison

FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.78%, more than ZSC's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.78%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
ZSC USCF Sustainable Commodity Strategy Fund	1.61%	1.75%	2.18%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAAR and ZSC in my portfolio?

FAAR and ZSC have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAAR or ZSC?

ZSC has higher volatility (2.91%) compared to FAAR (2.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAAR dropped -18.03% vs ZSC's -26.49%.

Which ETF is better, FAAR or ZSC?

On 1-year performance, ZSC leads with 31.68% vs 23.72% for FAAR. On fees, ZSC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAAR or ZSC?

Over the 1-year period, ZSC has performed better with a 31.68% return vs 23.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAAR or ZSC?

ZSC is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAAR or ZSC?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.78%, compared with 1.61% for ZSC.

What is the main difference between FAAR and ZSC?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and USCF. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FAAR and 0.59% for ZSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.85), 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.