PSCU vs. ZAP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSCU (Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF) and ZAP (Global X U.S. Electrification ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - PSCU tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index while ZAP tracks the Global X U.S. Electrification Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PSCU returned 18.43% vs 28.84% for ZAP. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSCU charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ZAP.

Performance

PSCU vs. ZAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) 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, PSCU achieves a 12.29% return, which is significantly lower than ZAP's 15.14% return.

PSCU

• 1D: -2.32%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 6M: 10.22%
• 1Y: 18.43%
• 3Y*: 6.90%
• 5Y*: 0.96%
• 10Y*: 5.81%

ZAP

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: -3.98%
• YTD: 15.14%
• 6M: 13.19%
• 1Y: 28.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSCU vs. ZAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	12.29%	-1.93%	0.52%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	15.14%	21.84%	1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCU and ZAP is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.53

The correlation between PSCU and ZAP shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PSCU vs. ZAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCU

PSCU Risk / Return Rank: 35
PSCU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
PSCU Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
PSCU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
PSCU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
PSCU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

ZAP

ZAP Risk / Return Rank: 60
ZAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ZAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
ZAP Omega Ratio Rank: 52
ZAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
ZAP Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

PSCU vs. ZAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) 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.

	PSCU	ZAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.92	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.62	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.33	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	4.01	-1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.64	10.25	-4.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSCU vs. ZAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCU Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the ZAP Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSCU	ZAP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.17	1.92	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	1.63	-1.16

Drawdowns

PSCU vs. ZAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCU drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, which is greater than ZAP's maximum drawdown of -12.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCU and ZAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCU	ZAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-12.38%	-17.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-7.23%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-4.11%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-2.57%	-5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	2.83%	+0.45%

Volatility

PSCU vs. ZAP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) is 5.04%, while Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP) has a volatility of 6.28%. This indicates that PSCU 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

	PSCU	ZAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	6.28%	-1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.07%	11.74%	-0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.81%	15.13%	+0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.42%	16.91%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.47%	16.91%	+2.56%

PSCU vs. ZAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCU has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than ZAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCU vs. ZAP - Dividend Comparison

PSCU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than ZAP's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCU Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF	0.99%	1.10%	0.98%	1.60%	1.71%	2.69%	1.20%	2.47%	2.35%	1.84%	6.93%	2.94%
ZAP Global X U.S. Electrification ETF	1.55%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCU and ZAP in my portfolio?

PSCU and ZAP have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSCU or ZAP?

ZAP has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to PSCU (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCU dropped -29.97% vs ZAP's -12.38%.

Which ETF is better, PSCU or ZAP?

On 1-year performance, ZAP leads with 28.84% vs 18.43% for PSCU. On fees, PSCU is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, PSCU has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCU or ZAP?

Over the 1-year period, ZAP has performed better with a 28.84% return vs 18.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCU or ZAP?

PSCU is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ZAP.

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

ZAP has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 0.99% for PSCU.

What is the main difference between PSCU and ZAP?

PSCU tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Utilities & Communication Services Index, while ZAP tracks Global X U.S. Electrification Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCU and 0.50% for ZAP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.17), 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.